KING MOVES ON DRUG BILL

Transport Minister Annette King says she is confident she has the
numbers to get legislation that will crack down on drivers impaired by
illegal drugs to a select committee.

The Government announced in December it would introduce the
legislation this year.

A spokesman for Ms King said the minister expected to table the
legislation soon. She was confident she had the support to get the
bill to a select committee for scrutiny.

The Dominion Post reported yesterday that wrangling between the Greens
and New Zealand First meant it was not clear whether the bill would
get enough support to pass into law.

The newspaper understood the Greens had insisted on a provision being
added to prevent evidence gathered during blood-testing of impaired
drivers being used for any other purpose, including prosecution under
the Misuse of Drugs Act.

National's transport spokesman, Maurice Williamson, said yesterday
that his party had not yet seen the bill, so it had not been to the
caucus for discussion.

But he said the party would support any legislation that helped to
make the road safer, provided it was based on evidence the measure
would work.