HC Deb 22 January 1998 vol 304 cc628-9W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the research initiatives involving cannabis which have been granted a licence. [24326]

Mr. George Howarth

[holding answer 21 January 1998]: The information requested is as follows:

Research initiative
Current licences
Professor A. Smith, University of Oxford Medical—effect of delta-9-THC and cannabis on the bladder reflex
Mr. D. Todd, James Paget Hospital Medical—investigation claims of therapeutic benefits of cannabis
Dr. R. Pertwee, University of Aberdeen Medical—neuropharmacology of cannabinoids
Dr. G. Hall, De Montfort University Studies in Pharmacology
Research initiative
Dr. D. Harvey, University of Oxford Studies in Pharmacology
Professor F. Evans, University of London Studies in Pharmacology
Professor M. Rubenstein, Liverpool John Moores University Studies in Pharmacology
Professor P. Redfern, University of Bath Studies in Pharmacology
Dr. R. Morgan, University of Sunderland Studies in Pharmacology
Dr. K. Brain, University of Wales Studies in Pharmacology
Dr. J. Smart, University of Portsmouth Studies in Pharmacology
Dr. P. Dewick, University of Nottingham Studies in Pharmacology
Dr. G. Lockwood, University of Manchester Studies in Pharmacology
Mr. M. Aitken, University of Brighton Studies in Pharmacology
Dr. P. Houghton, Kings College London Studies in Pharmacology
Professor R. Richards, The Robert Gordon University Studies in Pharmacology
Dr. C. Hunter, University of The West of England Studies in Forensic Science
Dr. M. Cole, University of Strathclyde Studies in Forensic Science
Professor D. Cowan, Kings College London Drugs Testing
Expired licences
Dr. G. M. Stern, Middlesex Hospital Medical—effects of cannabis on Parkinson's Disease
Dr. P. Taylor, Bethlem Hospital Medical—effects of cannabis on psychosis
Dr. A. Holdcroft, Hammersmith Hospital Medical—effects of cannabis on familial Mediterranean fever

Mr. Illsley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been undertaken by the Government into the legalisation of cannabis following the report of the Wootton Commission. [24769]

Mr. George Howarth

Over the 30 years since the Wootton Commission published its report, the Home Office has undertaken studies of prevalence of cannabis (and other drug) misuse and attitudes towards legalising illicit drugs. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health that, although his Department has not recently commissioned basic research in this area, his officials, including professionals, are keeping the available research into the risks and medical use of cannabis under review.