LIB DEMS FOCUS ON DRUG LAWS

Charles Kennedy wants a "mature" debate Decriminalising cannabis will be
high on the agenda at the Liberal Democrat spring conference on Saturday.

Party members will decide their drugs policy and other contentious issues at
the Manchester event.

The party will also discuss defence and economic policies, public services,
and ways of attracting disaffected Conservative voters.

Party members are expected to vote in favour of decriminalising cannabis for
personal use, but many want to go further still, by legalising it
altogether.

Calls are expected for the reclassification of ecstasy from a Class A to a
Class B drug.

Delegates will also discuss the abolition of jail sentences for possession
of any drugs, including heroin and cocaine.

Leader Charles Kennedy said on Friday that having the confidence and
maturity to discuss the issue honestly and openly did the party "no harm".

Home affairs spokesman Simon Hughes said: "There is a growing realisation
that drugs policy must be reassessed.

"Current law neither adequately deters people from using drugs nor maximises
the chances of effective treatment."

Public Services

Other controversial proposals on the agenda include ending selection at
faith schools, cutting Britain's nuclear arsenal by 33%, and withholding
support for the "son of Star Wars" nuclear defence system being developed by
the US.

Defence spokesman Paul Keetch was expected to tell the conference: "The UK
should not accept the use of UK facilities for any missile defence system
which does not enhance our security."

A commitment to raise taxes to fund better public services could also be on
the agenda, with a keynote speech from Treasury spokesman Matthew Taylor on
the economy.

He is also expected to advocate the greater involvement of the private
sector in public services.

"The private sector has a place in delivering public services," he is
expected to say.

"It can promote innovation and choice. We would not be true to our heritage
as Liberals if we didn't believe that."

Party members have already been arguing over dedicated taxes.

It has been suggested that the policy of adding 1p in the pound to income
tax to fund education - a mainstay of the Lib Dem manifesto for three
elections - should be dropped. Others think it should stay.

Health Tax

The party also appears to be edging towards a dedicated tax for health, the
so-called "hypothecated" NHS tax.

Mr Kennedy floated the idea last month, saying people would be able to see
how their money was being spent and would then be able to judge how
effectively it was being used.

Mr Taylor is expected to echo that, saying: "We can only argue for extra
funding if we show that people will get value for money and they will have
greater control over how that money is spent."

A group aimed at wooing disaffected Tories was meeting for the first time at
the conference on Friday night.

Conservatives hold the bulk of what will be Lib Dem target seats at the next
election.

But BBC political correspondent Jonathan Beale says the party's support for
higher taxes and its stance on drugs are unlikely to appeal to traditional
Tory voters.