HC Deb 26 January 1998 vol 305 c45W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications he has received for licences for research into the therapeutic use of natural cannabis in the last five years; how many have been granted; and to which bodies; and if he will indicate whether each application is for clinical or laboratory research. [24524]

Mr. George Howarth

Five; all were granted as listed. Licences do not distinguish between clinical and laboratory research.

  • Professor A. Smith, University of Oxford
  • Mr. D. Todd, James Paget Hospital
  • Dr. R. Pertwee, University of Aberdeen
  • Dr. P. Taylor, Bethlem Hospital
  • Dr. A. Holdcroft, Hammersmith Hospital.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what form the cannabis supplied by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist and the University of London is made available to medical researchers. [24666]

Mr. George Howarth

I understand that the Laboratory of the Government Chemist no longer supplies cannabis in any form to medical researchers, although it has done in the past. The University of London has supplied cannabis extract in capsule form to one medical researcher.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 16 January 1998,Official Report, columns 326–27, in respect of the licences granted for medical research of cannabis, if he will make it his policy to collect information on the results of this research. [24735]

Mr. George Howarth

No. This is not a licensing requirement.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 16 January 1998,Official Report, column 326, concerning the origin of supplies of cannabis, if the Laboratory of the Government Chemist and the University of London grow their own cannabis plants. [24730]

Mr. George Howarth

Yes.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 16 January 1998,Official Report, column 326, what steps are taken by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist and the University of London to ensure that cannabis offered to medical researchers is of a consistent standard and quality. [25116]

Mr. George Howarth

Standard and quality are not matters for the Home Office.