To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crack houses have been closed down in each of the last 12 months; and under what powers they were closed down. (182776)

The official published figures are released on an annual basis as follows:

2003-04: 94 ‘crack house’ closure orders

2004-05: 286 ‘crack house’ closure orders

2005-06: 342 ‘crack house’ closure orders

The Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003 introduced the power for courts to issue orders for the closure of premises where Class A drugs and serious nuisance and disorder are a problem. The provision commenced on 20 January 2004.

The data for 2006-07 will be published spring 2008.