Written question asked by Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 6 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 9 June 2000. It was answered by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Friday, 9 June 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what research he commissioned on which he based the plans for the Drug Abstinence Order contained in the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he commissioned on which he based the plans for the Drug Abstinence Order contained in the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill; and if he will make a statement. [125326] Mr. Boateng: The use of drug testing to deter and monitor drug misuse in the proposed Drug Abstinence order is based on existing evidence from both America and this country. This includes the evaluation of programmes in Oregon showing that drug testing can be useful in supervising offenders in the community. The Prison Service's mandatory drug testing programme also demonstrates that testing can have a significant deterrent effect on drug misusers. The drug testing proposals, including the Drug Abstinence Order, are to be piloted over two years and the outcomes fully evaluated. These evaluations will provide further material to inform the future use of Drug Abstinence Orders.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 125326; 351 c394W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Drugs Offenders Pilot schemes Research Testing Drug abstinence orders
Legislation: Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill 1999/2000
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk