To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 22 November 2007, Official Report, column 1066W, on driving under influence: drugs, when the Forensic Science Service will complete the specification for a roadside drug screening device. (186020)

The specification must set realistic requirements to ensure reliability and lead to a device that the police will find helpful. The continuing identification of issues has delayed issue of the specification, but we hope to reach a conclusion shortly on how best to proceed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the Answer of 22 November 2007, Official Report, column 1066W, on driving under influence: drugs, what progress manufacturers are making towards preparing a roadside drug screening device; when they are expected to submit a device for type approval; and how long the type approval process is expected to take. (186021)

Manufacturers and our advisers remain in contact over what should be required in a device that could be submitted for type approval. The development of such a device is a matter for the manufacturers The future time scale will depend on how quickly they can finalise and submit a device once a specification is available, how well the device performs, how quickly they can make any necessary adjustments and how soon they can put them on the market.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the Answer of 22 November 2007, Official Report, column 1066W, on driving under influence: drugs, what progress has been made by the Home Office Scientific Development Branch in its investigation into developing an impairment measuring device. (186022)

The HO Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB), in consultation with the Department for Transport, continues to discuss possible improvements to the field impairment test currently used by the police. A review of published scientific data originating from research in Australia into alternative impairment cues has been completed. Discussions regarding suitability of any further tests to meet the operational requirement and practical application are being undertaken. HOSDB continues to investigate a possible impairment measuring device through established contacts working in this area. Opportunities for partnership with a suitable university or other outside agency continue to be sought.