§ Mr. HillTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what restrictions are in force for the sale of the chemical isobutylnitrate; and if he will add it to the list of solvents known to be damaging to children.
§ Mr. John PattenI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the chemical known as isobutylnitrite; it is one of a group of chemicals known as alkylnitrites. Isobutylnitrite—which currently has no licit medical use—is not strictly speaking a solvent, but it can be misused by inhalation of its vapours. Sales of intoxicating substances are regulated by the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985 which makes it an offence for people such as retailers to sell or supply intoxicating substances to persons under 18 who they believe intend to misuse them. The Act has no specific list of chemicals: there is a wide range of everyday products which can be misused by inhalation. The Government have provided funding for Re-Solv, which has issued guidance leaflets to retailers advising them how to recognise signs that a young person may be misusing such substances and how to refuse to sell them. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has recommended against bringing alkylnitrites under the control of the misuse of drugs legislation as their use in the community does not appear to pose a serious social problem.