§ 81. Mr. SCRYMGEOURasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that packets of morphia, bearing the labels of three different London firms, namely, J. A. Wink and Company, Manufacturing Chemists, Battersea, P. Nicolaidi, and T. and H. Smith, Limited, 25, Christopher Street, are being exported for the purpose of being smuggled into China; and what steps are being taken in the matter?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThis question should have been addressed to me. The answer is in the negative. The two first-named firms are not licensed to manufacture or deal in morphine and no licences for the export of morphine are granted them. In the case of the last-named firm, who are manufacturers of morphine, export licences would only be granted if my Department is satisfied that the drug is required for medical or scientific purposes, but I think it is only right to say, in view of the fact that the firm's name is mentioned in the question, that I am not aware of any evidence to suggest that they have taken part in or connived at attempts to smuggle the drug into China or elsewhere. The hon. Member is probably aware that it is a common trick of the illicit dealers to put forged labels bearing the names of well-known firms on their wares.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURWould the right hon. Gentleman be willing to examine these labels?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSCertainly. If the hon. Member will send them to me or to my Department I will go into the matter carefully.