§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the severity of sentencing for individuals found in possession of larger quantities of illegal drugs; and if he will make a statement. [1455]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyWithin the broad statutory limits set by Parliament, sentences in individual cases are a matter for the courts alone, taking into account all the circumstances of the offences and the offender, including all mitigating and aggravating factors. The current maximum penalties for possession of controlled drugs are seven years, five years and two years respectively for class A, B and C. The Government believe these maximum penalties are appropriate and have no plans to increase them.
§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to establish an independent inquiry into the classification of illegal drugs; and if he will make a statement. [1375]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthI have no such plans. There is already a statutory, independent body to advise the Government on the classification of illegal drugs—the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD).