Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness said yesterday.

He said a re-elected UBP Government would help the NDC become active in the community fight against drug abuse and related crime -- Bermuda's "number one problem''.

Mr. Edness praised a pilot "drug prevention'' scheme in the St. George's area, set up by the interim committee paving the way for the NDC.

And he said he backed moves to encourage insurance firms to include drug rehabilitation treatment in their health coverage.

He said he hoped companies would see the "good sense'' of such a step, which would help stop the problem spreading.

The Minister, speaking at a UBP campaign press briefing, said potential members of the NDC were now being considered. It would go into action immediately after the election, he said.

The scheme in St. George's, concentrating on St. David's, was an "innovative'' programme designed to give young people alternative recreational and cultural activities so they didn't turn to drugs.

If it worked it could be used in other parts of the Island, he said.