Written question asked by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Friday, 17 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 March 2000. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 March 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if it is his policy that any suspect charged with an offence who subsequently tests positive for (a) class A and (b) class B drugs under the provisions of Clause 48 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill should be prosecuted for unlawful possession of such a drug (i) in addition to prosecution for other offences with which they have been charged and (ii) in cases where the charges for other offences are subsequently dropped; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Miss Widdecombe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is his policy that any suspect charged with an offence who subsequently tests positive for (a) Class A and (b) Class B drugs under the provisions of Clause 48 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill should be prosecuted for unlawful possession of such a drug (i) in addition to prosecution for other offences with which they have been charged and (ii) in cases where the charges for other offences are subsequently dropped; and if he will make a statement. [115817] Mr. Straw: The purpose of drug testing, for specified Class A drugs, as provided for in Clause 48 of the Bill, is to identify and monitor drug misusers who may need treatment and to inform bail decisions. A positive test will not, in itself, result in prosecution for unlawful possession.

Secondary information