---

Dangerous Drugs

I beg to move,"That the draft Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order 2010, which was laid before this House on 30 March, be approved." If the order is approved, it will bring mephedrone and other cathinone derivatives—a group of so-called legal highs—under the control of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, as class B drugs, from 16 April 2010. As required by the Act, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has been consulted, and the control of the drugs fully reflects the council's recommendations. I place on record our thanks to the advisory council for its thorough advice and continuing commitment and work in a very important area. The council's assessment is integral to our ability to respond effectively and in an informed way to the threat posed to our society by emerging harmful drugs.