MINISTER TO ATTEND DRUG CONFERENCE

Drugs minister Mo Mowlam, who has confessed to having smoked cannabis is to
visit an Essex anti-drugs conference.

Dr Mowlam, recently put in charge of the Governments anti-drugs campaign,
is due to attend A Time For Action, organised by the Essex Drug Action
Team, if her Cabinet schedule permits.

Other ministers expected at the conference include Ian McCartney of the
Home Office, whose son died of a drugs overdose last year, and Vic Hogg of
the House of Commons anti-drugs squad.

The conference, to be held on February 9 in Chelmsfod will be attended by
local anti-drug organisations.

Government ministers defended Dr Mowlan after she admitted on Sunday that
she had tried cannabis as a student.

She said: "I tried marijuana, I didn't like it particularly and, unlike
President Clinton, I did inhale.But it wasn't part of my life then. And
that's what happened."

"I will continue to say to young people that taking drugs is not within the
law and is not a credible thing to do with your life.

Anti-drugs campaigner Janet Betts, formally of Latchington, and step mother
of Ecstasy victim Leah Betts said: "Some would say it is a good thing she
has first-hand experience of drugs if she is heading the Governments
campaign."

Both Prime Minister Tony Blair a Home Secretary Jack Straw said they backed
Dr Mowlan.