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Written question asked by Charlotte Nichols (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 May 2025. It was answered by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Friday, 9 May 2025 on behalf of the Home Office.


Nitrous Oxide: Misuse

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make it her policy to introduce traceable labels on nitrous oxide canisters to allow the authorities to know the point of sale.

Original answer

Product labelling is a matter for the Department for Business and Trade. The Home Office is responsible for drug policy and legislation.

Nitrous oxide is controlled as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and it is an offence to produce, supply, offer to supply, possess, possess with intent to supply, import and export nitrous oxide.

The answer was corrected by Diana Johnson (Labour)

on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 on behalf of the Home Office.

Corrected answer

Product labelling is a matter for the Department for Business and Trade. The Home Office is responsible for drug policy and legislation.

Nitrous oxide is controlled as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and it is an offence to produce, supply, offer to supply, possess, possess with intent to supply, import and export nitrous oxide.

With apologies for the previous answer, nitrous oxide is controlled as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and it is an offence to produce, supply, offer to supply, possess, possess with intent to supply, import and export nitrous oxide, where the intention is for it to be used for its psychoactive effects.

The Home Office is not responsible for labelling or tracking nitrous oxide in the many contexts in which its use is legitimate. This would fall to government departments and regulators for the relevant sectors.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
49048
Session
2024-26
Related items
Nitrous Oxide: Sales
Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Nitrous Oxide: Sales
Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Misuse Sales Nitrous oxide
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk