LILLEY CHECKS OUT DUTCH HASH CAFES

TORY Peter Lilley yesterday renewed his call to legalise cannabis after a
tour of hash cafes in Amsterdam.

The former minister chatted with holidaying Britons as they smoked pot in
the Dutch city where the drug is sold in regulated outlets.

Afterwards, he said his first experience of seeing people getting stoned
was "about as exciting as a coffee break at a convention of accountants".

But what he had seen reinforced his belief in the importance of "breaking
the link" between the supply of cannabis and the supply of heroin and cocaine.

He added: "The police in Amsterdam said the number of heroin addicts has
declined since this break in the two markets was established.

"They are able to devote their resources to tackling hard drugs or other
crimes."

But Mr Lilley opposed setting up hash cafes in Britain, arguing that,
instead, licensed outlets should sell cannabis for use off the premises.