IT seems that the reason for sacking Professor David Nutt, the Government’s chief drugs advisor (Echo, Oct 31), is because the scientific evidence behind the views he expresses is contrary to Government policy to reclassify cannabis.

Does this mean that the prejudice of Government ministers takes precedence over scientific advice?

I think that there is a public debate to be had about the substances we take, and the politicians should be prepared to listen to that debate, and scientists should not be excluded from it.

The behaviour of Home Secretary Alan Johnson, who sacked Prof Nutt, has been intolerable.

As I understand it, the taking of cannabis can bring about psychosis, and that fact is one that should be weighed in the balance. There may be experts who do not agree on scientific grounds with Professor Nutt’s committee, but this is surely a matter for open discussion.

Our present Home Secretary seems to me to be so arrogant that he believes he is entitled just to stifle discussion.

It will not be the end to the matter.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.