This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/6046522.stm

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Drug classes A, B and C to remain Drug classes A, B and C to remain
(about 2 hours later)
Drugs will continue to be designated as class A, B or C, despite MPs claiming the classification system was "not fit for purpose", the Home Office has said. Drugs will continue to be designated as class A, B or C, despite MPs claiming the system was "not fit for purpose".
There will be no review of the process, even though MPs on the Commons science committee wanted changes to reflect the harm caused by different substances. A review of the classes to reflect the harm caused, suggested by MPs in July, could have seen alcohol and tobacco ranked alongside heroin and cannabis.
Earlier it was announced that crystal methamphetamine will become class A. But the Home Office is to stick with the system, disappointing those who felt it was out of date.
The use of class A drugs has remained stable although cocaine use in the UK has increased, a survey has found. It has also begun moves to reclassify the highly-addictive club drug crystal meth from class B to class A.
The Home Office was responding to the MPs' claims that the designation of drugs in classes A, B and C should be replaced with one more closely reflecting the harm they cause. The Science Select Committee said the present set-up was based on historical assumptions, not scientific assessment.
Some drugs can be rated as less harmful than tobacco or alcohol. Ministers were responding to the Commons Science Committee's report that the designation of drug classes should be changed.
The British Crime Survey has already estimated that 750,000 people took cocaine powder last year, with a slight increases in all age ranges between 16 to 44. The highest use was by 20- to 24-year-olds. The commitee said it would be better to classify drugs in terms of harm caused rather than the level of penalties they attracted.
One system considered by former Home Secretary Charles Clarke had rated some illegal drugs as less harmful than alcohol and tobacco.
But Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said they would be keeping the old system.
There's no ideal system - but let's look at whether or not [the drug classification system is] still fit for purpose Martin BarnesDrugscope How drug use has changedThere's no ideal system - but let's look at whether or not [the drug classification system is] still fit for purpose Martin BarnesDrugscope How drug use has changed
But it found overall class A drug use remained stable and the use of all drugs declined in 2005-6. "It is important that there is a coherent system in place to categorise drugs and determine the penalties for their manufacture, possession and supply," he said.
The chief executive of the charity Drugscope, Martin Barnes, said there were problems with the classification system and called for debate on the issue. "I believe that the existing classification system does this effectively, allowing for clear and meaningful distinctions to be made between drugs."
The chief executive of the charity Drugscope, Martin Barnes, said he was "extremely disappointed" the system would not be reviewed.
"It was introduced 35 years ago and during that time we've seen levels of drug use increase significantly [and] levels of drug-related harm increase."It was introduced 35 years ago and during that time we've seen levels of drug use increase significantly [and] levels of drug-related harm increase.
"I don't think there's a silver bullet. There's no ideal system, but let's look at whether or not - to use the Home Office phrase - it's still fit for purpose.""I don't think there's a silver bullet. There's no ideal system, but let's look at whether or not - to use the Home Office phrase - it's still fit for purpose."
'Chaos and confusion' Methamphetamine, which causes euphoria, is known as crystal meth
For the Conservatives, David Davis welcomed the decision not to revise the classification system, but said it was "just the latest twist and turn in the government's drug policy".For the Conservatives, David Davis welcomed the decision not to revise the classification system, but said it was "just the latest twist and turn in the government's drug policy".
"This chaos and confusion has led to people thinking it is OK to take drugs with a whole generation of young people suffering the consequences," the shadow home secretary said. But Nick Clegg of the Lib Dems said an overhaul of the classification system was "sorely needed".
The Home Office also announce there would be no change to the threshold for the amount of drugs that can be carried, without being charged with dealing. The British Crime Survey has already estimated that 750,000 people took cocaine powder last year, with a slight increases in all age ranges between 16 to 44.
And as expected, methamphetamine - or crystal meth - is to be reclassified from a class B to a class A drug. But it found overall class A drug use remained stable and the use of all drugs declined in 2005-6.
It will be listed as one of the UK's most dangerous substances, alongside heroin and cocaine, and anyone caught with it faces an unlimited fine or up to seven years in jail. Government plans to introduce a threshold for the amount of drugs for which people could be prosecuted for dealing have been abandoned - because no-one could agree on what the limit should be.
The stimulant induces euphoria, but can lead to side effects such as violent behaviour and depression. The government also tabled orders in Parliament to reclassify crystal meth as one of the UK's most dangerous drugs. It means amending the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 following debates in the Commons and the Lords.
Anyone caught with it will then face an unlimited fine or up to seven years in jail.
Click to return Click to return