Written question asked by Andrew Murrison (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 29 November 2001. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 29 November 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the armed forces compulsory drug testing programme; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Dr. Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the armed forces compulsory drug testing programme; and if he will make a statement. [18412] Mr. Ingram: Our policy is that drug misuse is incompatible with service in the armed forces. The use of random compulsory drug testing of staff sends a clear message to service personnel about this policy. In addition, it provides a means of measuring the level of drug misuse in the services, and whether the misuse of a particular drug, or class of drugs, is on the increase or is in decline. It is also an important means with which to assess and audit the effectiveness of the education programmes run by each of the services.

Secondary information