Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 30 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 April 2004. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Monday, 19 April 2004 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 effectiveness of the legislation relating to substance abuse; and what plans he has to amend the legislation.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the legislation relating to substance abuse; and what plans he has to amend the legislation. [165761] Caroline Flint: Volatile Substance Abuse is controlled by the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985, which regulates the general sale of abusable products by making it an offence for any such substance to be knowingly supplied for the purpose of intoxication to someone under 18. The Cigarette Lighter Refill (Safety) Regulations 1999, banned the sale of butane gas lighter refills to under 18s. The Government continues to be concerned about the level of misuse of volatile substances by young people. However, it thinks that at present enforcement of current provisions is sufficient and has no plans to amend the legislation.

Secondary information