MAJOR REVIEW OF DRUG POLICY PLANNED

The troublesome issue of cannabis decriminalisation will return to haunt
the government this autumn after the home affairs committee announced today
it would investigate drug policy when the House of Commons returns.

A major review of the government's drug policy will form the first major
inquiry of the new parliament, reopening serious splits within the Labour
party over attitudes to soft drugs in particular.

Witnesses will include key government figures such as the lord chancellor
Lord Irvine of Lairg and the home secretary, David Blunkett. The committee
will look at the effect of liberalisation on the availability and demand
for drugs.

It will also study the effect of relaxing restrictions on drug-related
deaths and crime.

The committee, which will meet in October, will also examine whether
decriminalisation is desirable and if not, discuss "practical alternatives".

The move comes amid growing backbench calls, including former Tory cabinet
minister Peter Lilley, for the liberalisation of cannabis laws.

The inquiry will coincide with a private members bill from Cardiff MP Jon
Owen Jones for the legalisation of cannabis.

Although that bill, which receives its second reading in October, stands no
chance of becoming law, it will attract cross-party support, including a
number of Labour dissidents who argue the current "war on drugs" is
unwinnable and extortionately expensive.

The new committee will look at the effectiveness of the 10 year national
strategy on drug misuse and take into account the Police Foundation's
report on drugs which was chaired by Dame Ruth Runciman.

Its chairman is former junior minister Chris Mullin who left the government
of his own accord after the election because he wanted to return to
chairing the committee.

The issue arose earlier this month when Mr Lilley rocked die-hard
traditionalists in the Conservative party with his call to legalise cannabis.

The former deputy leader of the Tory party envisaged magistrates issuing
licences for outlets selling cannabis to over-18s.

Downing Street has firmly resisted any liberalisation of the drugs laws,
although Mr Blunkett has said there should be an "adult, intelligent"
debate on the issue.

Leading charity DrugScope today welcomed the inquiry as a valuable
contribution to a more open and mature debate on drugs in the UK.

DrugScope's director of communications, Harry Shapiro, said: "Last year's
Police Foundation inquiry gave the drugs debate a much-needed impetus.

"We have seen evidence in recent weeks that more politicians are ready to
take on this complex issue and explore the possibilities for change.

"It is a subject which interests a large number of ordinary people and an
open and mature debate could help re-engage many, particularly the young,
in the political process."