HC Deb 01 December 1983 vol 49 c565W
39. Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will bring solvents within the terms of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Mr. Mellor

No. The Misuse of Drugs Act was never intended to apply to substances which are in everyday household and industrial use. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, in its report on treatment and rehabilitation, published last year, recorded its firm view that the controls of the Act would not be appropriate for the problem of solvent misuse.

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health intends to make a statement shortly on the Government's response to this problem.