JUST because legislation and law enforcement are inadequate to eradicate drug abuse from our society, it does not follow that drug-taking should be decriminalised.

The law sets down moral and social guidelines which people are expected to follow.

It is the view of legislators - and the substantial majority of the British public - that drugs are dangerous.

To legalise them would not only go against the wishes of the majority, but may also send out a signal that drugs are perfectly safe to use.

While the Government's latest proposals fall short of legalising drugs, they risk diluting the effectiveness of law enforcement in this particular area.

Drug abuse is inevitable. It is impossible to police the actions of individuals in the privacy of their own homes. But it is a very different matter for the Government to indicate that drug abuse in nightclubs and other public places is inevitable.

To do so indicates that drug abuse will be tolerated, and undermines the message of educational and health campaigns about the often dire consequences of drug-taking.

It is perfectly reasonable to expect licensed clubs to have emergency procedures in the event of anyone needing treatment after taking drugs.

But for clubs to bring it to the public's attention that they have special treatment rooms and other support facilities is tantamount to condoning drug abuse on their premises.

Such a tolerant environment will do nothing to discourage young people from experimenting with drugs.

Far from bringing drug use under control, it will risk escalating the problem.

WITHOUT the support of the employees, Tony Blair will be unable to push ahead with reforms to the public services.

No one will embrace change if it is imposed upon them.

Mr Blair and his colleagues need to recognise that there are differences of opinion on the way ahead for public services.

By bringing the employees more into the debate and being prepared to listen, the Prime Minister stands a much better chance of pressing ahead with much-needed reforms.

He must begin the task of inclusion with re-assurances that the rights of workers will be retained if they switch from the public to private sector.