Written question asked by Nigel Evans (Conservative) on Friday, 17 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 October 2008. It was answered by Alan Campbell (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 October 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Cannabis

Question: (2) what recent estimate she has made of the number of people selling skunk cannabis seeds in England and Wales.

Answer: We have received recent representations in respect of the sale of cannabis seeds on the high street, including from the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake), but not in respect of the sale of ““skunk cannabis seeds”” through online mail-order retailers.We have made no estimate of the number of people selling ““skunk cannabis seeds”” in England and Wales. The Government's position on cannabis seeds is tied in with the sale and promotion of drug paraphernalia. My officials are currently working with the Association of Chief Police Officers to look at how existing legislation and powers can be used more effectively by the police, local authorities and other partners to curtail the sale and promotion of drug paraphernalia as well as cannabis seeds by taking local, targeted action. The National Policing Improvement Agency is leading on drafting practice advice for police and partner agencies to tackle so-called 'head shops' that glamorise this trade. The agency's work is due to be completed by the end of February 2009. We should await the outcome of this work as it will inform the way forward.

Secondary information