MR Clements argues that the Government is wrong to consider drug testing in schools (Letters, March 1).

Mr Clements is correct to state that a new policy agenda is needed to fight the problems that hard drugs, and the associated crime, cause communities. But I am adamant that legalising cannabis is not the way forward.

Mr Clements is probably of the assumption that taking cannabis does not lead to harder drug use. There is enough evidence to show that in many northern communities this is not the case.

In the former coalfield communities of South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire, as well as in other former industrial communities in the north, there is plentiful evidence illustrating that school age youngsters who take cannabis have a much higher probability of taking hard drugs later in life.

Having seen first hand the effects of hard drug use on my former community in North Nottinghamshire, I can assure Mr Clements that any deterrent to drug usage will be welcome.

Drug testing in schools might not be a perfect solution, but in my mind, it is a better solution than the complete legalisation of cannabis.

Rory Palmer,

Fossgate, York.

Updated: 12:55 Thursday, March 04, 2004