Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour) on Thursday, 11 May 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 May 2006. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 June 2006 on behalf of the Home Office.

Illicit Drugs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account the Government take in formulating its policy on illicit drugs of the effects of supply-side prohibition; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Government’s strategy in tackling drugs is founded on the fact that all drugs subject to it are harmful and no one should take them. We take full account of the importance of the role of legislative controls on the unauthorised production, supply and possession of these drugs in reducing the harms that such drugs cause by helping to limit their use and deter experimentation. These necessary controls are an integral, but not exhaustive, part of the Government’s drugs strategy.

Secondary information