Written question asked by Andrew Murrison (Conservative) on Friday, 14 December 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 December 2001. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 December 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what action he has taken on trends in the percentage of service personnel testing positive for controlled substances.

Answer: Dr. Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he has taken on trends in the percentage of service personnel testing positive for controlled substances. [23693] Mr. Ingram: Since routine, random compulsory drug testing became regular practice across the three services in 1998, the percentage of armed forces personnel proving positive has only risen from 0.45 per cent. to 0.54 per cent. (in 2000) of the total number tested. The services reflect the society from which they are recruited and employ mainly young people who are at an age when they are most vulnerable to drug misuse. In addition to rigorous single service drug education programmes, the compulsory drug testing programme is a specific deterrent against the misuse of drugs by service personnel. Despite the comparatively low number of personnel who return positive results, the services continue to examine their drugs policies to remain vigilant against the problem. Recent improvements in drug testing methods have given the Ministry of Defence a more reliable detection capability for the Class A drug, Ecstasy. While this and an increase in the number of service personnel being tested generally, year on year, is reflected in the overall number of positive findings, our enhanced drug testing capability is viewed as a positive measure against members of the armed forces misusing drugs.

Secondary information