existing anti-drug organisations is expected to come up today in a meeting called by the Minister of the new Human Affairs portfolio.

The Hon. Jerome Dill said yesterday the subject was likely to be discussed at the meeting, between himself, the Commission interim steering committee and representatives of the six anti-drugs groups.

But it was not the reason he called the meeting. And he assured it was not Government's intention for the Commission to raise its own funds. He said the Commission had been promised $1.2 million in the Budget.

But the idea was for all the local anti-drugs groups coming under its umbrella to continue fundraising efforts -- which they were "happy to do'', Mr. Dill said.

Today's meeting was basically to get acquainted with local anti-drug organisations, he said. And to discuss "common ground'' between them and the soon-to-be-created Commission.

The six drug fighting groups, calling themselves the Council Partners, have banded together in a major five-year fundraising effort.

But Commission steering committee chairman Mr. Alastair Macdonald is "uncomfortable'' with the idea. There was "a potential for conflict of interest'', because the Commission was hoping to go after private money as well once it was set up, he told The Royal Gazette .

He had been hoping for a fundraising drive next year by all the groups along with the Commission. The Commission would need more money than Government was offering for the treatment programmes it had in mind.

Mr. Macdonald understood the groups needed funds now. But he asked them to hold off for about six months until the Commission was off the ground and its managing board appointed.

But the head of the Council Partners fundraising committee said the six charitable organisations involved could not wait any longer. One of the organisations, Fair Havens residential rehab for women, was in danger of closing down if it did not get more money soon, Mrs. Katherine Watson said.

Drug meeting The Council Partners include: the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Fair Havens drug rehab for women, PRIDE, Focus, Lions Quest (a school drug education programme and Listen-Businesses Against Drugs.

Yesterday Mr. Dill said seven members would be appointed to the drug commission by the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan after consultation with the Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade.

He revealed he, Sir John, and Mr. Wade would be meeting this week to discuss possible names. Mr. Dill said no names had yet been settled on.

"We are still at an early stage. The focus right now is on the consultative process,'' he added.

Mr. Dill said some organisations had come forward with their own names, although he declined to elaborate. "It would be inappropriate to say any more. But a lot of people do come forward with suggestions.

"The key, however, is consultation and I believe the Opposition are committed to the process.''