Pubdate: Mon, 03 Jan 2005
Source: Scotsman (UK)
Copyright: The Scotsman Publications Ltd 2005
Contact:  http://www.scotsman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/406
Author: Kevin Schofield, Education Correspondent
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

MSPS REJECT ENGLISH-STYLE DRUG TESTING IN SCHOOLS

MINISTERS last night insisted they had no plans to introduce random drug 
tests for Scots pupils after an English school became the first in the UK 
to introduce the controversial measure.

Peter Walker, the headmaster at the Abbey School in Faversham, Kent, said 
previous government attempts to prevent people taking drugs were not 
working and "something else" had to be tried.

Under the scheme, which will begin after the Christmas holidays, 20 names 
will be drawn at random from a list of pupils who said they were willing to 
be tested.

Mr Walker said that pupils found to be taking drugs would not necessarily 
be excluded, although their parents would be asked to discuss the situation 
with staff to determine what action should be taken.

Plans to introduce random drug testing in English schools were announced by 
Tony Blair, the Prime Minister, last year, but the Scottish Executive has 
consistently refused to follow Westminster's lead, saying present drug 
testing powers are adequate.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D