I'VE lost count the amount of times I've heard of a "crackdown" on cannabis in the last 25 years of my adult life.

A Government report details how since the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) no more than 20 per cent of the drugs in this country have ever been confiscated by the authorities. So 80 per cent of illegal drugs remain on the streets.

While 75 per cent of violent crime and domestic abuse is caused by alcohol, crack, heroin and cocaine use is on the increase all over the United Kingdom, 20 police forces nationwide are going to spend millions of pounds of taxpayers' money on another crackdown on a plant that provides pain relief for tens of thousands and gentle pleasure for millions of others. Resources would be better spent on ridding this country of this diabolical failure of Government policy, so the police could focus their resources on fighting crime. There are more dangerous products on sale in every corner shop in the land.

Steve Clements, The Legalise Cannabis Alliance, Asquith Avenue, York.