Letter: You won't stamp out ecstasy

Sir: "Stop the pushers poisoning our children," said Michael Howard at the Conservative Party conference. The Public Entertainments Licensing (Drugs Misuse) Bill, published by Barry Legg MP, aims to do just that.

The fact is that the Government will not succeed in eradicating the consumption of and dealing in ecstasy. If people want to take ecstasy and dance all night, they will. If people want to sell ecstasy and make lots of money, they will. It is impossible to stamp out drugs.

However, it is possible to create a safer environment with the minimum of risk for those who feel inclined to take ecstasy. Politicians are stupidly quick to reject "harm reduction" measures - free cold water in clubs, no overcrowding, good ventilation, chill-out areas and tablet testing. Introduce these and the risks will be reduced considerably.

VICKY MILES

(aged 16)

Stanford in the Vale, Oxfordshire