§ Mr. LetwinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what parliamentary procedure would be required to change the controlled substance classification of cannabis. [51217]
§ Mr. Bob Ainsworth[holding answer 19 April 2002]: If a decision to change classification is taken an Order in Council is needed to change the classification, under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, of any controlled drug. Such an Order is subject to the draft affirmative resolution procedure. The draft Order has to be debated in each House, and approved, then submitted to a meeting of the Privy Council for approval and signature.