Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 June 1998. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 June 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will comment on progress in the development of the portable drug testing device suitable for testing motorists suspected of driving under the influence of drugs.

Answer: Mr. Maclean: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress in the development of the portable drug testing device suitable for testing motorists suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. [45672] Mr. Michael: Work by the Police Scientific Development Branch on the possibility of developing a portable drug testing device is continuing. The police service has recently completed trials of two devices for screening motorists for drugs on the roadside. The results of the trials are being evaluated by the Forensic Science Service and the Transport Research Laboratory.

Secondary information