Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 December 1996. It was answered by Gerald Malone (Conservative) on Monday, 9 December 1996 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of anti-drugs policies in reducing the consumption of (a) alcohol, (b) tobacco, (c) medicinal drugs, (d) ecstasy, (e) kelamine, (f) heroin and (g) cannabis. - Inc ref to 277 c341-2W and to British National Formulary (in Lib).

Answer: Mr. Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of anti-drugs policies in reducing the consumption of (a) alcohol, (b) tobacco, (c) medicinal drugs, (d) ecstasy, (e) ketamine, (f) heroin and (g) cannabis. [7502] Mr. Malone: Concerning illegal drug misuse, I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council gave my hon. Friend the Member for Lewes (Mr. Rathbone) on 13 May, Official Report, columns 341-42. The Government's policies to prevent the misuse of alcohol and reduce the consumption of tobacco are subject to continuing evaluation. The misuse of ketamine, which is not currently a controlled drug, is kept under review. Matters relating to the prescription of medicinal drugs are for clinicians, who are expected to follow the general guidance which is available, especially that in the British National Formulary, copies of which are available in the Library.

Secondary information