Written question asked by John Whittingdale (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 January 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 29 January 2010. It was answered by Alan Campbell (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 February 2010 on behalf of the Home Office.

Methadone

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what recent assessment he has made of the risks of the recreational use of methadone;

Answer: Based on the hon. Member's subsequent clarification, this answer addresses mephedrone, not methadone.Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) is a stimulant drug which is structurally related to cathinone and methcathinone, both of which are controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), whom we are required by statute to consult before bringing forward legislation under the 1971 Act to Parliament, is currently considering the harms of mephedrone and related cathinone compounds as a priority. The ACMD's latest letter on its consideration of these drugs is available at:"http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/publication-search/acmd/acmdmephedrone2835.pdf?view=Binary"In addition to the ACMD's letter, representations have been received from Members of Parliament and the public.

Secondary information