ReconsiDer Tidbits

Shadow cabinet members who back Michael Portillo's bid for the Conservative party leadership on Friday enthusiastically supported his call for a debate on the legalisation of cannabis.

Archie Norman and Tim Yeo, spokesmen on environment and agriculture, said politicians had to show they were in touch with the public by considering demands for legalisation.

However, Lady Runciman, who chaired an influential inquiry calling for a relaxation of the law on cannabis, said she thought Britain was not ready for legalisation.

The other contenders for the Tory leadership indicated they would not favour decriminalisation of cannabis. But Peter Lilley, Conservative former deputy leader and a supporter of Mr Portillo, published a pamphlet making a case for legalisation.

He envisaged magistrates could issue licences for outlets selling cannabis to people aged over 18. Legalisation would break the link with pushers of hard drugs.

"As long as trafficking in cannabis remains illegal it will tend to be handled by the same illegal channels that control heroin and crack," he said.

Mr Portillo said on Thursday that he would initiate a policy debate to consider legalisation of cannabis. Although he did not advocate legalisation, his statement could alienate Tory party members who would have the final say on who succeeded William Hague as leader.

But Mr Norman said: "We have reached the stage in public thinking now where there is quite a widespread view that the law needs to be looked at again, particularly among younger people. It looks absurd that middle aged politicians are going round saying we do not want to discuss this."

Mr Yeo said the case for legalisation of cannabis had been treated as a taboo subject during his 18 years in parliament.

"I think we should have a debate about it," he said, adding that Mr Portillo had demonstrated he was in touch with young people by calling for a debate about legalisation.

Dame Runciman described Mr Lilley's pamphlet as "an interesting development".

"What we would like to see is a more constructive and pragmatic change in our law so it reflects the risks of cannabis rather than giving a large number of young people criminal records," she said.

Tony Blair's spokesman said the government remained opposed to legalisation of cannabis. "Cannabis is dangerous," he said.

Conservative MPs will take part in the first round of voting on who should succeed Mr Hague on Tuesday. They have to narrow the field of candidates from five to two, and then leave the final decision to party members.

Mr Portillo remains the frontrunner to replace Mr Hague. But there is a fierce battle between Kenneth Clarke, the former chancellor, and Iain Duncan Smith, shadow defence secretary, over the chance to go head-to-head with Mr Portillo in the ballot of party members.