HC Deb 24 January 2001 vol 361 cc614-5W
Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Police Foundation Inquiry's recommendations concerning the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. [147053]

Mr. Charles Clarke

Following the publication of the Police Foundation's report last year, the Home Office issued a statement rejecting the inquiry's recommendations for the reclassification of cannabis, cannabinols, Ecstasy or LSD. The report contains a large number of other recommendations and raises many issues. The United Kingdom anti-drugs co-ordinator, Keith Hellawell, was asked to chair a committee to consider these. The report of his committee's findings is currently with Ministers.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with his US counterparts regarding UK domestic drug laws. [147054]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The only recent meeting with United States of America counterparts was in July 2000 when the Attorney-General, Janet Reno, visited London. She met with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and my hon. Friend the Minister of State, but domestic drug laws were not discussed.