STRAW TACKLES DRUGS CRIME

JACK STRAW will announce a pounds 20 million anti-drugs initiative today
and, at the same time, begin a ministerial effort to show that the
Government cares about public services.

Tony Blair has mobilised the Cabinet into correcting a "perception" of
division between himself and John Prescott over the public sector. The Home
Secretary will announce 200 schemes to reduce crime by helping offenders to
deal with their addiction. Studies suggest that providing such help
immediately after arrest greatly reduces reoffending.

Mr Straw will tell the Association of Chief Police Officers that the
Government is pouring resources into new technologies to help officers on
the frontline. Initiatives include palm-held computers so that beat police
can check vehicle licence numbers and similar details. He will say:
"Tackling crime is at the heart of our plans to build a better society."

Other ministers will try to convey the message that improving law and
order, health, welfare, education and transport are the Government's
priorities.