DRUGS MINISTER: I TRIED CANNABIS BUT DIDN'T LIKE IT

THE minister responsible for combating drugs in England and Wales has
admitted that she experimented with cannabis as a student.

Caroline Flint, appointed to her first ministerial job less than a
fortnight ago, said she tried the drug more than 20 years ago but did not
enjoy the experience.

The MP also insisted that the drug's illegal status acted as a brake on her
trying it again.

As minister with responsibility for tackling hard drugs such as cocaine and
heroin, Ms Flint will also oversee the downgrading of cannabis from Class B
to Class C next year.

A Home Office spokesman said: "She was chosen because she is the best
person for the job. Everyone has full confidence in her."

The admission by Ms Flint, 41, the MP for Don Valley, is unlikely to prompt
a political slanging match, because a sizeable number of the Conservative
front bench, including the shadow home secretary, Oliver Letwin, have also
confessed to trying cannabis.