HC Deb 21 January 1986 vol 90 cc177-8W
Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider the re-scheduling of benzodiazepine drugs in accordance with the United Nations convention on psychotropic substances; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

In 1984, 33 benzodiazepine drugs were scheduled under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971, which the Government intend to ratify within the next few weeks. The changes needed in our misuse of drugs legislation to bring these drugs within our domestic controls are contained in regulations which are currently before Parliament and are intended to take effect from 1 April this year.