HC Deb 31 October 2001 vol 373 cc663-4W
Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if disciplinary action over drug taking is exercised consistently between the three services. [10703]

Mr. Ingram

All the services have similar disciplinary procedures for dealing with drugs offences which include trial by court martial and, on a verdict of guilty, usually results in dismissal from the service following a period of military detention.

Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel have been tested under the Compulsory Drug Testing programme in the last year in each of the three services; and how many have tested positive in each case. [10701]

Mr. Ingram

The figures for all service personnel in the calendar year 2000 are as follows:

Service Underwent Compulsory Drug Testing (CDT) Tested positive
Royal Navy 13,951 50
Army 117,659 609
Royal Air Force 11,610 14

Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what disciplinary action was taken by each of the three services in the last year in respect of service personnel who tested positive under the Compulsory Drug Testing programme. [10702]

Mr. Ingram

During the year 2000, no disciplinary action was taken against personnel from any of the three services for testing positive at a Compulsory Drugs Test (CDT). Failure of a CDT will normally lead to the Administrative Discharge of an individual on the basis that drugs are incompatible with service in the armed forces. A positive test by itself is not a criminal or disciplinary offence. Disciplinary action will only be invoked, in relation to CDT, if an individual commits the offence of failing to provide a urine sample for the purpose of testing.

Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to alter regulations and penalties for possession of cannabis among servicemen and women, following the changes proposed in civilian life by the Secretary of State for the Home Department. [11090]

Mr. Ingram

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's proposal concerned the reclassification of cannabis. However, misuse of drugs, of all classes, will remain incompatible with the requirements of life in the armed forces.