§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the maximum penalities for those convicted of the illegal dealing in the drug temazepam; what plans he has to stiffen such sentences; and if he will make a statement. [24092]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonOffences under Sections 4(3) and 5(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in relation to the supply of, or intent to supply, class C drugs, including temazepam, carry a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £2,500 when tried on indictment.
The maximum fine for these offences was increased from £500 to £2,500 as recently as February of this year, when the relevant section of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 came into effect. There are no present plans to increase further the maximum penalties available to the courts for such offences.