Written question asked by Helen Jones (Labour) on Monday, 20 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 June 2002. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 June 2002 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the (a) cost and (b) accuracy of the methods used for testing for drug abuse; and if he will make a statement. - (Holding answer 23 May 2002).

Answer: Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the (a) cost and (b) accuracy of the methods used for testing for drug abuse; and if he will make a statement. [58513] Mr. Bob Ainsworth: [holding answer 23 May 2002]: Information on the costs and accuracy of the various methods used for testing drug abuse is not held centrally. To answer this question would incur disproportionate costs. The Pilot Programme for testing for drug misuse under the provisions of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 introduced the use of oral fluid (saliva) on-site screening tests, following an evaluation study by the Forensic Science Service. This found that oral fluid provided an effective and accurate alternative to urine for screening for heroine and cocaine.

Secondary information