DRUGS CZAR CALLS FOR TESTING IN WORKPLACE

THE Government's "drugs czar", Keith Hellawell, yesterday called for more
random drug-testing in the workplace as he backed the BBC decision to
dismiss the Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon after he admitted taking
cocaine.

Mr Hellawell, UK Drugs Co-ordinator and Special Adviser to the Prime
Minister, also spoke in favour of "drug-drive" tests on motorists to match
spot checks on pilots and train drivers.

At the introduction of a government partnership with leading British
companies to tackle drug abuse, he said that young people had to be shown
that drug-taking was not acceptable. "We have to make it clear to people in
prominence that that sort of behaviour is not acceptable, especially if
they are in a position of responsibility where they could influence kids."

Mr Hellawell said. In response to claims by the Virgin Radio disc jockey
Chris Evans that half the BBC's staff took drugs, he said: "If that is the
case, they are sad people. It would be a sad reflection on society if half
of the BBC tested positive for drugs."

People in the media sometimes felt that their drug taking was acceptable,
but his message was that all drug abuse was a problem.

Mr Bacon said yesterday that he had rejected offers to talk about his
dismissal. "I like Blue Peter too much," he said.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski