Terms of Reference for the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs

Summary

It is the duty of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to keep under review the situation in the United Kingdom with respect to drugs which are being or appear to them likely to be misused and of which the misuse is having or appears to them capable of having harmful effects sufficient to constitute a social problem, and to give to any one or more of the Ministers, where either Council consider it expedient to do so or they are consulted by the Minister or Ministers in question, advice on measures (whether or not involving alteration of the law) which in the opinion of the Council ought to be taken for preventing the misuse of such drugs or dealing with social problems connected with their misuse, and in particular on measures which in the opinion of the Council, ought to be taken.

A further duty is placed on the Advisory Council to consider any matter relating to drug dependence or the misuse of drugs which may be referred to it by any Government Minister (as defined in the Act).

Ministers - ordinarily the Home Secretary - are obliged to consult the Advisory Council before laying Orders before Parliament or before making Regulations (or any changes to the same) under the Act.