Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 1 April 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 April 2009. It was answered by Phil Woolas (Labour) on Monday, 20 April 2009 on behalf of the Home Office.

Salvia Divinorum

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what research her Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the health effects of salvia divinorum; and if she will make a statement;

Answer: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has recently written to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs requesting that it provide advice to Government on the availability and harms of psychoactive legal alternatives to illegal drugs, so called "legal highs", with a particular focus on protecting young people. I fully anticipate that this work will include Salvia Divinorum. The Government's position on its control will be informed by Advisory Council's advice.

Secondary information