@Simon Stephenson: Did you read the article? The whole point is precisely that we need to know whether this *was* just "a drug related misjudgment when he was a teenager", or whether Cameron has a longer period of illegal drug use lurking in his past.

John H, Orpington,

Drugs should not be encouraged. They are awful. Negative. Socially and personally destructive. Having said that, I was in the heart of 60's - 70's Rock an' Roll and my life style epitomised that caricature. Apart from the one's who died, I don't know anyone of that era who would now endorse either the lifestyle or the use of drugs. And furthermore, in the predominant main, those that I knew then - as the movers-and-shakers of the day, are now totally straight, fun, dynamic and still movers and shakers of today. Even more honest and up-front, infact!

Robbie Rohan, Great Chart, Kent, UK

Is there any truth in this allegation or could it possibly be a smear tactic by people who fear he could be a winning leader?

To be honest, the guy is 40, I don't really care if he smoked cannabis at Eton when he was 15, I don't even care if he used cocaine when he was 20 or 25 - unfortunately a lot of people do. As long as he's clean now and intends to stay that way I don't have any problem with it. However, the issue is not going to go away so I think he would do better to face it now, whatever the truth of the situation, and then move on.

Ruth, Poole, UK

I am almost at a loss how to begin, here. Can someone please explain to me what relevance it has to the assessment of David Cameron's value now whether or not he made a drug related misjudgment when he was a teenager? Are we genuinely to believe that evidence of youthful indiscretion is enough to be able to conclude that, throughout his life, he is an inappropriate person to be a representative of the public? Or is it that we have, collectively, become so stupid that we are unable any more to use reason to distinguish between what is good and what is bad?

Simon Stephenson, Windermere, UK

I have no qualms about Cameron's alledged drug use, just so long as his policies are reflective of that, and the fact that millions of people are curious and will try anything once. Alas, I doubt that will be the case.

James Ball, London,

Mr Cameron will have to decide between a private life or a political one. In this day and age you cannot have both. We the general public have the right to know if a potental PM has committed an illegal act or not, its called the fredom of information.

Anthony Jaynes, Alton,

I don't think anyone cares to be honest. Maybe you should concentrate on more interesting news.

Alex B, Bristol, England

I don't care if David Cameron took cocaine or is still taking cocaine. I care more that by criminalising the trade in cocaine and other drugs politicians have created the gun crime problems that have been making the headlines of late.

John, London,

This story is more about the media, the venerable Times included, flexing it's muscles with a potential Prime Minister. One tabloid story about cannabis that mentions no evidence of cocaine use becomes a story about rumours of cocaine use.

Mr Cameron is attempting to swat aside this predictable, unoriginal, 'investigative' journalism, and that is not being accepted by the wolfpack. They want at least a denial to acknowledge their existence, and whether Dave is wise to take them on be refusing to play the game only time will tell.

Andy, Barrow, UK

David Cameron is doing a wonderful job. What if he has taken drugs? It must have been a terrific experience.

Hug a Druggie, London, England