MARIJUANA SPLITS BRITISH CONSERVATIVES

LONDON -- Britainís opposition Conservative Party has suddenly split
between advocates of a tough new policy against marijuana and senior
party figures who admit they smoked it in their youth.

The issue flared up at the partyís annual conference, where criminal
justice spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe announced a policy of mandatory
fines for the first offense of possessing any amount of marijuana.

"It means zero tolerance of possession. No more getting away with just
a caution, no more hoping that a blind eye will be turned," said
Widdecombe, who cited New York Mayor Rudolph Giulianiís anti-crime
policies as her inspiration. The policy called for an automatic $145
fine on first offense.

Widdecombeís announcement was calculated to be popular with members of
the traditional law-and-order party and attractive to swing voters.

However, the Police Superintendents Association called the policy
unenforceable. The Daily Telegraph, usually a cheerleader for the
Conservatives, said in an editorial that Widdecombe "displayed almost
zero common sense." An editorial in The Times said her policy would
"criminalize thousands of otherwise law-abiding individuals."

Then seven senior Tories admitted to the Mail on Sunday newspaper that
they had used marijuana.

"It was quite hard to go through Cambridge University in the í70s
without doing it a few times," said Francis Maude, the partyís
spokesman on foreign affairs.

Environment spokesman Archie Norman said he tried marijuana and had no
regrets. "It didnít do much for me. I turned to drink instead," Norman
said.

"I think you expect human beings to explore and experiment. If you
donít you havenít been young," Norman said.

Culture spokesman Peter Ainsworth said he tried marijuana, but "it
made me feel slightly sick." Welfare spokesman David Willetts admitted
trying two puffs, but not liking it.

The issue illustrated a split on the party between Widdecombeís hard
line and Treasury spokesman Michael Portilloís appeal for a more
inclusive and caring party.

Portillo, who has admitted to a past gay relationship, declined to
talk about marijuana. "I think Iíve given enough information about my
younger days."