Pubdate: Fri, 24 Feb 2006
Source: Evening News (UK)
Copyright: 2006 Archant Regional
Contact:  http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/141
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)
Cited: Legalise Cannabis Alliance http://www.lca-uk.org

CLARKE SNUBS CANNABIS GROUP -AGAIN

Pro-cannabis campaigners have criticised Home Secretary Charles 
Clarke for refusing to respond to their invitation to attend their 
conference - again.

The Legalise Cannabis Alliance which has its head office in Norwich, 
wrote to the Norwich South MP in January to invite him to its 
conference at the University of East Anglia, but has not yet received 
a response.

Last year, Mr Clarke did not reply to their invitation either.

The alliances seventh annual national conference will take place in 
the UEA's Congregation Hall on Saturday, March 18 from 11 AM - 5 PM.

It's national coordinator Alun Buffry said: "I wrote to Mr Clarke in 
January.  I haven't even had a hint of a reply.

"We want him to explain to the people of Norwich whether he thinks it 
necessary to punish people who use cannabis and do no harm.

"I don't think he can answer the question and that is why he has not replied."

Mr Clarke, who in 1997 revealed he had smoked cannabis, was 
unavailable for comment, but a Home Office spokesman said: "We have 
received the letter and it is still with Mr Clarke for consideration 
at the moment."

Former MI5 agent David Shayler, an alliance member, will speak at the 
conference.  He was convicted in 2002 under the Official Secrets Act 
for passing classified information to the press.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom