VOTERS TO GUIDE SUTTON ON CANNABIS DECISION

Aoraki voters' views on cannabis will guide Aoraki MP Jim Sutton on the way
he votes, should there be a move to change its legal status.

Mr Sutton said yesterday that he welcomed an inquiry into cannabis use by
young people.

He said the health select committee has decided to carry out an inquiry
into "the most effective public health and health promotion strategies to
minimise the use of and the harm associated with cannabis, and consequently
the most appropriate legal status of cannabis".

Select committee chairperson, Judy Keall, said that the outcome of the
inquiry could not be second guessed.

She said the subject needed serious discussion to build a consensus about
what action should be taken.

Mr Sutton said that he did not support decriminalising cannabis.

"I think that anything that says to young people that smoking dope is okay
will lead to a lot more lives blighted."

However, he said he had promised before the election to conduct a poll of
Aoraki voters' views on the issue, should there be either a Government or
private members bill introduced as a result of the inquiry.

"I expect there will be one and I will carry out my commitment," Mr Sutton
said.

Submissions to the select committee can be made until February 7, 2001.