Subj: UK: Drugs czar calls for testing in workplace



Date: Wednesday, October 21 1998



Source:    The Times (UK)





Drugs czar calls for testing in workplace

BY VALERIE ELLIOTT WHITEHALL EDITOR 



THE Government's "drugs czar", Keith Hellawell,

yesterday called for more random drug-testing in the

workplace as he backed the BBC decision to dismiss the

Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon after he admitted

taking cocaine. 



Mr Hellawell, UK Drugs Co-ordinator and Special

Adviser to the Prime Minister, also spoke in favour of

"drug-drive" tests on motorists to match spot checks on

pilots and train drivers. 



At the introduction of a government partnership with

leading British companies to tackle drug abuse, he said

that young people had to be shown that drug-taking was

not acceptable. "We have to make it clear to people in

prominence that that sort of behaviour is not acceptable,

especially if they are in a position of responsibility where

they could influence kids." 



Mr Hellawell said. In response to claims by the Virgin

Radio disc jockey Chris Evans that half the BBC's staff

took drugs, he said: "If that is the case, they are sad

people. It would be a sad reflection on society if half of

the BBC tested positive for drugs." 



People in the media sometimes felt that their drug taking

was acceptable, but his message was that all drug abuse

was a problem. 



Mr Bacon said yesterday that he had rejected offers to

talk about his dismissal. "I like Blue Peter too much," he

said.