To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-488 by Angus MacKay on 22 July 1999, what is the full timescale for the consultation process regarding proposals for taking forward the Drugs Enforcement Agency concept, and what are all the organisations who will participate within it.

Consultation involving the key enforcement agencies is continuing. When a programme for setting up the Drug Enforcement Agency has been agreed, an announcement will be made. It is intended to make this before the end of the year. The agencies involved in the discussions are the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, the Scottish Crime Squad, the National Criminal Intelligence Service, the Scottish Criminal Record Office and the Crown Office.