13 May 2003

The Home Office posts "official" position on Section 8(d)

The Home Office has written to people who responded to the consulation to Section 8(d) of the Misuse of Drugs ACt 1971, confirming the current Government position. The letter confirms that the Government does not intend to implement 8(d) at this time, prefering to explore alternative powers under the Anti-social Bhevaiour Bill.

The letter says that the postponement of the amended 8(d) will be for a period of 2 years to allow for evaluation, but that the potential to extend 8(d) "will remain on the statute book" pending evaluation.