Nitrous Oxide

Lord Sandhurst Excerpts

Monday 13th April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

It is a very real problem. The noble Lord will know that the legislation to ensure that we put nitrous oxide on the controlled list, passed in 2023, has reduced the level of usage as a whole. I am also pleased to report that in the year September 2024 to September 2025, there were 242 convictions for the supply of nitrous oxide, with 234 sentences to date and some still outstanding for sentence. The Government’s strategy is to make sure we clamp down on this; it is not acceptable, and the legislation should be enforced. It is also very important that we have education for young people, particularly in schools.

[Lord Sandhurst (Con)]

My Lords, there are limited legitimate uses for nitrous oxide, yet the lawful supply of these cannisters has created an unlawful, harmful supply down stream. Will the Minister today commit to a review to establish the volume of nitrous oxide being sold and whether the benefits of the legitimate trade in fact outweigh the social cost of the unlawful trade that follows from it?

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

As the noble Lord has mentioned, there are a number of legitimate uses for nitrous oxide: medical, dental and veterinary uses, food sector uses in cafés and for amateur bakers, as a fuel additive for motor racing and for academic research. The legislation passed under his Government has tried to get the balance right between legitimate and illegitimate use. As I said a moment ago to the noble Lord, Lord Storey, the number of convictions for illegal use and supply has increased significantly. That is an area the police are focused on. We keep all matters under review, but the legislation was passed only some three years ago and I think it is right that we let it take its course.