WE MUST LOOK AT EVERY OPTION

THERE is no point in having a think-tank unless the members are
allowed to consider what many may regard as the unthinkable.

But the report by the Scottish Futures Forum onour drug problem makes
alarming reading.

They have suggested "shooting galleries" where addicts can take their
heroin, removing the problem from the streets.

The report also suggests that in the future, cannabis is taxed and
regulated.

The report suggests that to beat drugs we may have to "go to
uncomfortable places".

It is difficult for politicians to even consider drug consumption
rooms and public opinion is probably a very long way off embracing
such a radical suggestion.

But clearly not enough has been done in the past and not enough is
being done at present.

Scotland has the highest drug-related death rate in Europe - more
than one a day. And we have one of the highest rates of hepatitis
C.

Recent figures proved that there are vast amounts of drugs swilling
about Scotland.

Seizures of crack cocaine are up 300 per cent.

Cocaine seizures are up by 80 per cent. Heroin hauls are also up 17
per cent.

There are 50,000 addicts in Scotland and 40,000-60,000 youngsters are
affected by parental drug misuse.

The Scottish government recently launched a national drugs strategy.
More education, especially for the very young, is absolutely crucial.

And more help is being promised for those who really do want to
escape their addiction with a move away from the methadone programme.

There has been limited evidence of the success of heroin
prescriptions and shooting galleries.

All shades of politicial opinion responded negatively yesterday,
probably a fair reflection of the views of ordinary people.

The radical suggestions may have no place in Scotland - but we do
have a responsibility to examine every option.