PM to back random drugs tests
The Prime Minister is to back proposals for random drugs tests in schools.
Under new plans, head teachers will be given the power to introduce random drug testing, with parents informed if the school carries such a policy.
Mr Blair told the News of the World that initial guidance would be issued next month.
He said: “If you have a serious problem in your school there is no point in trying to conceal it.”
Mr Blair said he was aware that some head teachers might be reluctant to use the policy, as it would imply there was a problem at the school.
“But in my view the local community is probably perfectly well aware that there is a problem.”
An ICM Research poll for the newspaper found 82 per cent of parents and 66 per cent of children favoured drug testing in schools.
Of the 1,000 parents surveyed, 96 per cent said they would want to know if their child was taking drugs.
It is thought the government may also opt to deploy more police patrols inside schools and make more sniffer dogs more readily available and visible.
