The National Youth Agency: PM calls for 'good local youthprovision'

However, he also hailed antisocial behaviour orders as a success, describing them as having the full support of the House.

Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions on 8 June, Blair was responding to a question from Labour MP Martin Salter (Reading West) about crime reduction in his constituency. Salter said that a 26 per cent reduction in crime had been achieved through the imposition of antisocial behaviour orders. He also urged the Prime Minister to encourage young people to engage in constructive activities to divert them away from drugs and drink.

Blair cited effective youth provision at local level as one such method, and suggested that extending school hours could be another. He said: "It is important that we have measures on antisocial behaviour. Whereas they were controversial at first, they are working and have the support of practically the whole House. At the same time, we are right to emphasise proper youth activities. Extended schools with proper pre- and after-school clubs have a role to play, as do proper youth services and facilities for our young people. Although the Sure Start programme, and the extension of it, will not yield visible benefits for many years, it will play a part. As well as tough measures, we also need local youth provision."