| Previous Section | Back to Table of Contents | Lords Hansard Home Page |
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Baroness for giving way. That was exactly the point I made when speaking of the need to have the codes of practice in effect before the commencement of this measure. I entirely agree with the noble Baroness that if they act in accordance with codes of practice they will not be at risk.
Baroness Anelay of St. Johns: My Lords, I appreciate that. I believe that my noble friend the Minister is aware of the concerns expressed by the noble Lord, Lord McIntosh.
I am grateful to all noble Lords who have taken part in the debate. I believe that there is a good measure of agreement on the principles of the Bill. Some Members of this House will have had the opportunity to witness the effect of drugs on young people. Some of us are doctors, lawyers and magistrates who are involved in treating, advising and sentencing those involved in the misuse of drugs. Others are probation officers who help young people along the road to independence from drugs. Many of us are parents who are concerned about the safety of our children or their friends. Noble Lords will have seen, as I have at close quarters, young lives at best blighted and at worst ended by the misuse of drugs.
I do not claim that this Bill will solve the social problems of drugs misuse in clubs overnight. It must be seen as part of a wider assault on abuse of drugs. I support all the educational programmes, advertising campaigns and good work in the community to try to convince people of the harm that drugs can do. I welcome the efforts of the Government to crack down on drug dealers. This Bill will make it possible to close down unscrupulous clubs straight away as soon as the police have determined that they pose a serious drugs problem and the local authority, having considered all the evidence, has come to the same conclusion. The Bill proposes a specific solution to a specific problem. I ask your Lordships to give it a Second Reading.
On Question, Bill read a second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.
- House adjourned at eleven minutes before eight o'clock.
| Next Section | Back to Table of Contents | Lords Hansard Home Page |