§ MR. SAMUEL ROBERTS (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the cases of two women, Sarah Elizabeth Carford and Polly West, tried and found guilty of supplying dangerous pills containing diachylon at the, Sheffield Quarter Sessions on the 25th inst., and sentenced to twelve and six months imprisonment with hard labour; and whether, considering the increasing use of diachylon by women for certain purposes, he can see his way to have this drug and its preparations scheduled as a poison.
§ *MR. GLADSTONEI have seen a report of the cases referred to by the hon. Member. I am informed that the Lord President of the Council is advised that to schedule diachylon as a poison would entail great inconvenience without attaining the object desired. It may be hoped that the convictions at Sheffield will serve as an effective deterrent.
§ MR. SAMUEL ROBERTSHas the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the increasing use of this drug?
§ *MR. GLADSTONEThat is a different matter.