MSPs reject 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.