Mr. Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what recent assessment he has made of the risks of the recreational use of methadone; [314415]
(2) what recent representations he has received on the classification of methadone; and if he will make a statement. [314416]
Mr. Alan Campbell: Based on the hon. Member’s subsequent clarification, this answer addresses mephedrone, not methadone.
Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) is a stimulant drug which is structurally related to cathinone and methcathinone, both of which are controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), whom we are required by statute to consult before bringing forward legislation under the 1971 Act to Parliament, is currently considering the harms of mephedrone and related cathinone compounds as a priority. The ACMD’s latest letter on its consideration of these drugs is available at:
In addition to the ACMD’s letter, representations have been received from Members of Parliament and the public.
