HC Deb 09 June 2004 vol 422 cc425-6W
Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the(a) types and (b) effects of date rape drugs; [174467]

(2) what advice he has given to (a) police forces and (b) club operators on date rape drugs; [174468]

(3) what research his Department has (a) conducted and (b) commissioned on the illegal use of date rape drugs; and if he will make a statement. [174471]

Caroline Flint

We take the issue of drug assisted sexual assault and allegations of it very seriously. Penalties for this crime were recently increased in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to a maximum of 10 years. It is an offence to administer a stupefying substance with the intent of overpowering the victim to engage him or her in sexual activity.

There are potentially very many drugs. Any drug that causes a degree of sedation could potentially be used in a case of 'drug rape'. Drugs which are currently tested for by the Forensic Science Service where 'drug rape' is alleged include: Gammahydroxybutyrate (or GHB) and the benzodiazepine family of drugs such as temazepam and flunitrazepam (Rohypnol). The sedative effects of drugs are likely to be increased when mixed with alcohol.

This issue is one where there is much public concern with very little evidence of the prevalence of the crime. An average 450 allegations of this type are investigated by the Forensic Science Service annually. Of these only between 1 and 2 per cent. show any sign of an unexplained sedative drug.

It is important that any allegation of sexual assault is investigated and the victim is supported by appropriate services whether or not drugs are involved.

An Action Plan was launched in July 2002 to implement the recommendations of the HMCPSI/ HMIC joint investigation into the investigation and prosecution of cases involving allegations of rape. This includes 'drug rape' and work with the Association of Chief Police Officers has seen improved guidance to the police. This includes a joint police and Crown Prosecution Service training package and the Joint Operational Police Instructions (JOPI) which were published in June 2003. The "Core Investigative Doctrine" and the "Sexual Offences Investigation Manual of Guidance" are also currently being updated by Centrex.

The Safer Clubbing Guidance is to be updated later this year and will specifically contain guidance on the prevention of, and provision of information on, drug assisted sexual assault. This guidance is distributed to licensed premises, the police, licensing authorities and the local authority via Drug Action Teams.