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 Charles Clarke (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 measures he has taken to ensure consistency and accurate standards of drug testing conducted by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he has taken to ensure consistency and accurate standards of drug testing conducted by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [125323] Mr. Charles Clarke: The piloting of the drug testing proposals contained in the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill is due to start in Spring 2001. Planning will include consultation with the Forensic Science Service on the testing arrangements to ensure that the analytical processes are accurate, fully meet industry standards and are subject to rigorous quality assurance programmes. Use will also be made of the considerable experience gained from the well-established Prison Service mandatory drug testing programmes.

Secondary information