Drugs Poll

Sunday 15 October 2000

• MORI interviewed 1,014 British adults aged 18+
• Interviews were conducted by telephone on 13-14 October 2000
• Results are based on all respondents unless stated
• Data are weighted to the known population profile
• An '*' indicates a finding of less than 0.5, but greater than zero
• Poll conducted by MORI on behalf of The Mail on Sunday

QV1 How would you vote if there were a General Election tomorrow?
(If undecided or refused at Q1)

QV2 Which party are you most inclined to support?

Q1 As you may know, the Shadow Home Secretary, Ann Widdecombe, recently proposed a fixed penalty fine of £100 for anyone caught in possession of cannabis. To what extent do you support or oppose this policy?

As you may have heard, some members of William Hague's Conservative Shadow Cabinet have admitted that they have used illegal drugs in the past.

Q2 Do you think they were right or wrong to disclose that they have used illegal drugs in the past?

Q3 Does their disclosure make it more or less likely that you will vote Conservative at the next election?

Q4 Most members of Tony Blair's Labour Cabinet have refused to say whether or not they have used illegal drugs in the past. Do you think they should or should not disclose whether or not they have used illegal drugs in the past?

How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

Q5 All possession of cannabis should be illegal, as at present

Q6 Cannabis should be available on prescription for medicinal purposes only

Q7 Sale of cannabis should remain illegal, but possession for personal use decriminalised

Q8 Sale of cannabis should be legal, but sold only through licensed government outlets

Q9 Cannabis should be freely available to adults, like tobacco and alcohol

Q10 Using cannabis leads on to using harder drugs

Q11 The police spend too much time prosecuting cannabis users instead of clamping down on more dangerous drugs such as crack and heroin

Q12 Which of the following drugs have you ever taken, if any?