HC Deb 22 June 1916 vol 83 cc300-2
44. Colonel GRIFFITHS

asked the Home Secretary what steps the Government are taking to control the sale of cocaine throughout the country; and whether the sale of this drug can be restricted under the Acts governing the sale of poisons?

Mr. SAMUEL

The sale of cocaine to members of His Majesty's Forces has been made an offence by order of the Army Council under Regulation 40 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. Under the Acts governing the sale of poisons cocaine can only be sold by registered chemists to persons known or introduced to them, and after entering in the Poisons Book the particulars required by the Schedule to the Act of 1868. I am considering what further action should be taken.

Sir J. D. REES

May I ask whether the sale of cocaine has become dangerous since the suppression of opium, and whether that point of view will be taken into account?

Mr. SAMUEL

I do not know that this matter is related to the question of opium, but I am informed that there has been increased use of cocaine among certain classes.

Sir J. D. REES

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether it is not a matter of common public knowledge that this has resulted from the suppression of the less dangerous opium?

Mr. SAMUEL

The class which is addicted to cocaine at the present time is not a class which has ever been addicted to opium.

Colonel GRIFFITHS

Do I understand that it is the intention of the Government to take very definite steps to stop the growth of this habit?

Mr. SAMUEL

We are considering in what way the present law needs strengthening.

82. Sir R. COOPER

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the widespread sale of pick-me-ups containing ether and cocaine in West End shops; whether he is aware that the new Regulations preventing the sale of cocaine do not affect these draughts which contain coca liquidum, and that these doses are generally responsible for creating the drug craving; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent the spread of this evil?

Mr. SAMUEL

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I have already given to the hon. and gallant Member for Wednesbury. The hon. Member appears to have been misinformed as to coca liquidum, which, being a preparation of coca, is covered by the recent Order of the Army Council. This substance is, moreover, in Part II. of the Schedule to the Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1908, and is therefore subject to the restrictions as to sale laid down in the Poisons and Pharmacy Acts. Ether is not a poison within the meaning of those Acts.