Review ordered into drug advisory council

The Home Office has announced a review of the work of its drug advisory body, it emerged today as the row over the sacking of its former chairman continued.

A former Home Office civil servant, Sir David Omand, has been asked to look at the work of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) and report by next year.

His review will look at whether the ACMD is accountable, if it is "discharging its functions" properly and if it continues to represent value for money.

It was ordered on October 13, before Home Secretary Alan Johnson sacked Professor David Nutt, but emerged only today.

A Home Office spokesman said the review was "unrelated" to the continuing row.

Mr Johnson was due to answer an urgent question on Prof Nutt's sacking in the House of Commons today.

Two other scientists quit over the weekend in fury at the Home Secretary's decision.

Dr Les King quit yesterday, accusing the Government of denying Prof Nutt's right to free speech. He was followed by pharmacist Marion Walker.

It is understood other members of the 28-strong committee are also considering their positions, and are planning to meet in the coming days.

A source close to the committee said: "No action is not an option. They are very unhappy, all of them."