Written question asked by Cheryl Gillan (Conservative) on Wednesday, 23 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 April 2005. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Thursday, 7 April 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will increase the number of scientific specialists on the Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs.

Answer: Mrs. Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will increase the number of scientific specialists on the Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs. [224168] Caroline Flint: The Home Secretary may only appoint additional members to the Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD--as a Non-Departmental Public Body) subject to the normal membership recruitment process, approved and monitored by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. I am content that the range of professions, and levels of expertise on the ACMD is suitable. Where the ACMD requires additional information, or would value further opinions, it has the authority to, and frequently does, invite expert witnesses to present to its meetings, and contribute to its understanding of an issue. If it feels that such input would be valuable in the longer term, it may co-opt additional members to its sub-committees or working groups.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c1782W;432 c1777W; 224168
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Public appointments Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs Scientists
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk