Prisons (Drugs)

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 March 1997.

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Photo of Ann Widdecombe Ann Widdecombe , Maidstone 12:00, 20 March 1997

Yes. I give the House a categorical assurance that we will reverse those amendments when we are returned to power on 1 May. That will be one of the first things that we do, because we are committed to protecting the public; the Labour party is merely committed to making life easy for the criminal. My hon. Friend is absolutely right when he says that we should exhibit zero tolerance of drug dealing. That is why we want seven-year minimum mandatory sentences for people who are convicted for a third time. The Opposition take the issue of drugs so seriously that they appear to regard it as a cause for mirth. I do not think that they will regard it as a cause for mirth when they who have never won an election in 23 years find that they will not win the next one either.