Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to her oral contribution of 27 March 2023, Official Report, column 674, on Antisocial Behaviour Action Plan, what emerging evidence on nitrous oxide she is referring to; and if she will make a statement.

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) published their report on nitrous oxide on 6 March, which set out the available evidence and made recommendations for action. This report can be found at the following link: Nitrous oxide: updated harms assessment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

The Government carefully considered the ACMD’s advice when making the decision to control nitrous oxide under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. In their report the ACMD cite anecdotal reports of an increase in neurological harms. They also identify evidence in relation to health and social harms and provide references to those sources within their report. This includes harms such as drug driving and littering as well as identifying widespread availability for illegitimate use. In addition to the ACMD’s review, the Government has received representations from members of the public, from police officers and others highlighting serious concerns and providing further anecdotal evidence of the dangers of nitrous oxide.

The Government responded to the ACMD on 27 March. The Government’s response is available at the following link: Government response: ACMD nitrous oxide review (accessible) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)