Written question asked by Gordon Marsden (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 February 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 February 1999. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Thursday, 4 February 1999 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the outcome has been of the consultation exercise that has been undertaken on the proposal to introduce a Drug Supply Offender Protection Order; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and fact that copy of consultation paper in Library.

Answer: Mr. Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcome has been of the consultation exercise that has been undertaken on the proposal to introduce a Drug Supply Offender Protection Order; and if he will make a statement. [69802] Mr. George Howarth: An undertaking was given during the passage of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to consult on the proposal to introduce a Drug Supply Offender Protection Order. A consultation paper was issued on 23 June, copies of which were placed in the Library together with a list of the organisations to whom it was sent. The proposal would enable magistrates, on application, to impose an Order requiring anyone convicted or cautioned of a drug supply offence in this country or overseas to refrain from any act, if that was considered necessary to protect the public from the supply of drugs. The consultation exercise has revealed little support for such an Order. The overwhelming view expressed is that the present legislation is adequate and that the Order would have little impact on the present levels of misuse. This response to the exercise has confirmed our view that there would be no advantage in introducing such an Order at present.

Secondary information