Caborn clarifies his social drugs stance

* DRUGS IN SPORT

By Gordon Tynan

The Minister for Sport, Richard Caborn, insisted yesterday that he is against all drug use. Caborn came under fire for appearing to suggest to the Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology on Tuesday that athletes using "social drugs" should not face sporting sanctions.

Dick Pound, chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency, had said: "Apart from the fact there is a health risk, they [recreational drugs] are contrary to the spirit of sport."

Caborn said: "I condemn any use of illegal substances, including all drugs. I am disappointed there has been a totally inaccurate reporting of what I said to the Select Committee.

"Wada are meeting next year to discuss the policies which will apply for the next four years. The business of Wada is to root out cheats in sport and they are very successful at that. Social drugs, which do not affect performances, do not come into that category and should be dealt with in the criminal courts."