§ 1. Sir ROBERT THOMASasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, with a view to demonstrating to the fullest possible extent this country's determination to co-operate in suppressing the illicit trade in drugs, he will accede to the request of Mr. Wang King-ky, the Chinese delegate to the League Opium Committee, that foreign consuls in China be instructed in future not to extend their protection to their nationals who trade illicitly in drugs?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)I much regret that, owing to indisposition, my right hon. Friend is unable to be present. His Majesty's Government have already demonstrated their determination to cooperate in the suppression of the illicit trade in drugs. With a view to preventing any possible participation by British subjects in this trade in China they have enacted regulations under which British subjects would be liable to heavy penalties, and in the last resort to deportation. This has proved completely effective, and there is no reason to believe that more satisfactory results would be obtained by the adoption of the course suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Sir R. THOMASMay I express my deep regret at the news that the right hon. Gentleman is ill.