HL Deb 21 June 1991 vol 530 cc373-4

1.17 p.m.

Viscount Astor rose to move that the draft order laid before the House on 1st May be approved [19th Report from the Joint Committee].

The noble Viscount said: My Lords, in moving this order, I shall speak at the same time to the other orders standing in my name on the Order Paper.

That is a formidable list of statutory instruments, but their purpose is straightforward. They represent a further advance for the United Kingdom in its efforts to curb international drug trafficking. We are all united in our condemnation of the drug trade, and in our determination to ensure that traffickers shall not enjoy the proceeds of their crimes. It is clear that we must join with our partners around the world to ensure that there are no safe havens for drug traffickers' assets. In doing so the orders enable us to comply with obligations under the United Nations Convention against illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, or "Vienna" Convention, which we plan to ratify before the end of the month. They also permit us to implement bilateral agreements and arrangements which we have negotiated with particular countries to trace, freeze and confiscate the proceeds and instrumentalities of drug trafficking.

In making these orders the United Kingdom will become part of an impressive partnership of some fifty countries committed to taking practical steps against the trafficker. As the list of countries grows we will bring forward further orders for Parliament's consideration. We are making it increasingly unattractive to the drug trafficker to perpetrate his crimes, or to enjoy the illicit profits which are one of his prime sources of motivation.

Lord Graham of Edmonton

My Lords, in the unavoidable absence of my noble friend Lord Richard, who would normally speak for the Opposition on these matters, I have been asked to say a word. That word is "approve" in the starkest terms. We or these Benches approve the order before us and the other orders. They are interrelated and seek to block up loopholes by which advantage is taken of Britain's absence from existing arrangements.

My noble friend Lord Richard would speak not just for the whole House but for all law abiding citizens and the overwhelming majority of people in this country in dealing with this appalling and heinous situation. That situation does not get any better. Sadly, there is evidence that the drug traffickers are as determined, as are the Government, to win; but this Government and the House are equally determined that they shall not win. Anything designed to help achieve that end will have the wholehearted approval of Her Majesty's Opposition today and in the future.

On Question, Motion agreed to.