Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Rejected
Require UK Government to consider applications for medical equipment exemptions at The Thistle.
Recommendation
If an application for exemptions from the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to enable the provision of medical equipment at The Thistle were made by Glasgow City HSCP or the Scottish Government, the UK Government should consider such an application on its merits, as evidence suggests this could enable The Thistle to maximise its effectiveness. (Recommendation, Paragraph 127)
Government Response Summary
The government rejects considering exemptions for providing medical equipment at The Thistle, stating it does not support DCRs or expansion for inhalation and has no plans to change legislation.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
Response: Under section 9A of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 it is unlawful to supply articles which may be used for the administration of a controlled drug. The provision of tourniquets and other such equipment including safer inhalation pipes would constitute a breach of the law. The UK Government does not support drug consumption rooms (DCRs) or the expansion of facilities at The Thistle to enable users to inhale drugs and has no plans to make legislative changes to enable the provision of such paraphernalia as part of its operation. The Scottish Government has stated that in order to supply such equipment, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) would need to apply to the Lord Advocate for the necessary exemptions; how to respond to such a request would be a matter for the Lord Advocate.