Source: [UK]
Braintree and Witham Times
Pub Date:
Thursday, 2 October 2003
Pub LTE:
Councils unable to understand issues
Author: Alun
Buffry
Contact:
bwtnews@nqe.com
Web site: http://www.thisissessex.co.uk/
Ref: Call For
Debate on Council Drug Policy
COUNCILS UNABLE
TO UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES
IT comes as no
surprise that Braintree Council has refused a debate on the legalisation of
cannabis and associated issues as requested by Don Barnard and backed by
Councillor James Abbott (Times September 18).
Most councils, I
feel would do the same. This is because they do not know the issues involved
and are unable to argue in favour of continuing prohibition.
They prefer to
pass the buck to Westminster.
But I was
interested to read the comments of Graham Butland, executive councillor for
health and community, who said: 'There are already forums where the issues
could be raised and the council is only expected to debate issues where it can
help."
Where are these
forums? We don't seem able to find them!