HC Deb 17 July 1893 vol 14 cc1704-5
MR. S. SMITH (Flintshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that there exists an opium den in Limehouse Causeway which is much frequented by many persons, including young English girls; whether the existence of such a place is in accordance with the law; and whether the police possess adequate powers for its suppression?

MR. ASQUITH

The Commissioner of Police informs me that there are absolutely no grounds for the assertion that English girls frequent these opium dens. The police have no power to suppress opium smoking.

MR. S. SMITH

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen a description in The Sunday Sun of a visit to an opium—

MR. JOHNSTON

Nobody believes The Sun.

MR. ASQUITH

Yes, Sir; I have read the statement, and referred it to the Commissioner of Police. The hon. Gentleman's question suggests that the place is frequented by English girls, and my information is that there are no grounds for the statement.