Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Paul Flynn (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 9 June 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Drugs Act

Question: That Act was passed with all-party approval—always a worrying sign—shortly before the last general election, when all parties wanted to appear tough on drugs. One of its provisions put magic mushrooms in exactly the same category as heroin—a tough decision, but a very stupid one. How many young people have been criminalised and imprisoned under that new provision?

Answer: As I have just said, since the passage of the Act the percentage of young people using magic mushrooms has fallen from 3 to 1.8 per cent. Significant increases in the import of fresh magic mushrooms to this country led the Government to take the action that they did. I know that my hon. Friend believes we should be doing other things, as well as taking action through legislation. He will have seen that the latest drugs strategy deals with many of the things for which he has long been calling—improved treatment, access to support for families, and many other measures that I know he believes also make a difference.

Secondary information