Wednesday 21 June 2006

Turner - Ban or regulate party pills

United Future's health spokesperson Judy Turner supports comments made by the Associate Minister of Health Jim Anderton today about his willingness to ban party pills.

"And if we can't ban party pills we need to regulate the danger out of them," she said.

"We need consistent manufacturing standards and dosages for BZP plus limits on the amount you can buy.

"Party pills shouldn't be sold at the same places as alcohol - it's the 'cocktail effect' that comes with taking pills at the same time as alcohol that causes the most harm.

"Restricting the availability of BZP near or at liquor stores won't stop this completely, but it will help."

Mrs Turner has long been concerned that the Expert Advisory Committee has undersold the risks of these products.

"It's extraordinarily difficult to ban something once it has been readily available as the Minister is suggesting. I want to know whether the Expert Advisory Committee has had a change of heart over the issue?

"Or is Jim Anderton acting unilaterally ? if so, does he still have confidence in the Expert Advisory Committee?

"Unregulated, as they are at present, party pills are a menace because you don't know whether you're taking grass-clippings, talcum powder or a high," said Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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