HC Deb 04 May 1915 vol 71 cc986-7
92. Mr. THEODORE TAYLOR

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the total amounts and values of morphia manufactured in the United Kingdom in each of the years 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, and 1914; what were the amounts and values exported to China, Japan, and Hong Kong, respectively; and whether any provisions are in operation to secure the limitation of its use to medical or other legitimate purposes?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

There are no available statistics of the production of morphia in the United Kingdom, but I will circulate with the Votes a statement showing the exports of morphia to China, Japan, and Hong Kong. His Majesty's Minister at Peking has reported that the Chinese Government have announced their intention of putting the International Opium Convention into force as from the 11th February last, but His Majesty's Government have no information as to the intentions of the Japanese Government in this respect, or as to any regulations in force in either country as to the use of morphia. As regards Hong Kong, I understand that the Pharmacy Ordinance of 1910 imposes certain restrictions on the importation and sale of morphine.—[See Written, Answers this date.]

Mr. THEODORE TAYLOR

Has there not been a very large increase in the export of British morphia to Japan and China recently?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I could not answer that without notice.

Sir J. D. REES

Is not the use of morphia proved by figures to have largely increased since the suppression of the opium traffic?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

We have no available statistics.