House of Commons · Westminster Hall
23 November 2022 · 7 other contributors · 5,450 words
Opened by Mark Garnier Con Wyre Forest
Responding minister: Chris Philp
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Mark Garnier raised concerns about misuse of nitrous oxide in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Minister should provide updates on the Home Office's progress in seeking guidance from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs about controlling nitrous oxide under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Additionally, he should address how to prevent online and retail sales that facilitate its misuse.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Nitrous oxide is increasingly being used recreationally despite its harmful effects, including vitamin B12 deficiency and potential long-term nerve damage. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 aims to control the substance but enforcement appears inadequate; West Midlands police reported only four prosecutions under this act since 2015. Usage rates among young people have also risen, with nitrous oxide becoming the second most commonly used drug in that age group.
I find it distressing that young people are able to access silver cylinders of nitrous oxide and highlights their harmful effects. She calls for more work on health education, enforcement measures, and ensuring young people cannot purchase these items easily. The speaker agreed with Taiwo Owatemi's suggestion for a public health campaign, adding that it should also involve the Department for Education to ensure young people receive information early on about the dangers of nitrous oxide.
She shares a personal experience of using nitrous oxide during childbirth with medical supervision and emphasizes the need for education on the dangers associated with its misuse. She advocates for making such information central to proposed measures.
Agreed with the lead MP's concerns about nitrous oxide's prevalence and harmful effects. Highlighted the importance of education and enforcement to address its misuse, citing anecdotal evidence from medical professionals.
Expresses concern about the use of nitrous oxide and associated litter in his constituency, discussing with his police and crime commissioner issues related to driving following its use. He seeks a comment on this from another hon. Member.
She acknowledges the health impacts, including anaemia among users, and suggests that educating people about optional activities that burden the NHS is necessary due to Worcestershire's issues with its acute trust. She also mentions vandalism at Astwood cemetery linked to nitrous oxide use.
He discusses concerns over vandalism and theft from graves in Astwood cemetery, where ground littering includes gas canisters. He highlights the behavioural effects such as desecrating graves after short-term highs induced by nitrous oxide. The speaker expressed concern over websites selling dangerous substances like DNP and urged the Minister to take more action against such sites. Robin also highlighted cases where drugs are marketed in misleading ways, targeting young people.
In Coventry, young people have been paralysed due to the neurological effects of nitrous oxide. The speaker suggested that the Minister should speak to his counterpart in the Department of Health and Social Care about running a public health campaign.
Government Response
Chris PhilpThe Government recognises concerns about nitrous oxide misuse, particularly among young people aged 16 to 24. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 regulates the supply of nitrous oxide but not possession. Companies selling it for psychoactive purposes could be investigated under this act. Education and awareness are key, including through Every Mind Matters and RSHE in schools. The Minister committed to raising concerns with the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) about reclassifying nitrous oxide if evidence supports a higher classification. Local authorities have powers under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to address associated issues through Public Space Protection Orders.