§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what immediate action he proposes to take to deal with the introduction of new forms of illicit drugs; what resources he will make available to the relevant authorities to stop the use of such drugs at an early stage; what action will be taken against these convicted of dealing in this trade; and if he will make a statement. [28562]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 provides a framework for controlling new or existing drugs liable to be misused. Substantial resources are being committed to action against drug misuse across a range of services, thus facilitating the concerted and vigorous response recommended in the report of the Scottish drugs task force, led by my noble and learned friend the Minister of State. Those convicted of trafficking in drugs will be sentenced by the courts according to the nature of the offence and the class of drug involved.