Judith Collins MP National Party Family Spokeswoman

04 November 2003

Children must be protected from 'P' plague

The National Party Family spokeswoman is urging the Government to take a hard look at toughening up the laws surrounding child endangerment after two youngsters were found in a Hamilton 'P' lab.

"This is a clear cut case where the parents need to take some responsibility," Judith Collins says.

"There's no way that any thinking parent would let a 5 year old girl or an 8 year old boy anywhere near the dangerous chemicals used to manufacture 'P'.

"When top cops are saying we need to look at the American model where methamphetamine manufacturers face 10 years in prison for endangering children, then the New Zealand Government should be listening.

"It's truly disturbing that our police are hearing more frequently about labs where children have been present.

"New Zealand needs to act.

"Police should be given the tools to take action and the Government should be making sure they have them.

"Far too many of our kids are already victims of the 'P' epidemic, we need to take a firm approach now so that more of our young don't face the same grim reality," says Ms Collins.

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