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The programme is introduced by Jon Lander. The first item is part of a series in which MPs report on an issue of their choosing. This week, the Conservative MP for The Wrekin, Warren Hawksley investigates the problem of heroin addiction in his constituency which includes Telford which is considered to have the worst drug problem in the West Midlands. Hawksley begins his report speaking to camera at Ironbridge and then we see him interviewing an anonymous couple visiting the Telford Conservative Association who are both addicts. We then see shots of heroin being smoked from silver foil. Hawksley next talks to Superintendent Brian Gradwell who reveals that half of all crimes in Telford are drug related. After another piece to camera on the Sutton Hill estate we hear from drugs researcher Ann Garratt about a local youth club that was closed due to its drug problem, and Dag Saunders from Shropshire Community Health Council. The film also includes tracking shots past houses in Telford, aerial views and shots of a precinct daubed with graffiti and finally views of a telephone operator at Drugslines in Birmingham.
Next continuing the addiction theme, Mark Astaire investigates the problem of fruit machine gambling in Handsworth, one of the most deprived areas of Birmingham. We see tracking shots from a car driving along Soho Road in Handsworth followed by an anonymous interview with a compulsive gambler and views of fruit machines. Astaire talks to community worker Andy Hamilton; Councillor Phil Rose; a reformed young gambler; and arcade owner Jenny Clough.
The final item looks at the soon to be scrapped West Midlands County Council which has only been in existence since 1974. We see exterior shots of County Hall in Birmingham. In the studio Reg Harcourt chairs a debate on the issue between the Labour MP for Coventry South East Dave Nellist (who is also a county councillor); the Conservative MP for Birmingham Northfield, Roger King; and the Liberal SDP Alliance MP Simon Hughes.
Political Editor: Reg Harcourt
Production Editor: Bruce Grocott
Film Editor: Adrian Tuck
Graphics: Phill Dunn
Production Team: Rob Whitehouse; Mark Astaire; Margaret Mitchell
Directors: John Pullen; Adrian Console; Richie Stewart
Editor: Mart Gottschalk
Production number 5209/85.