§ 70. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Health whether he has received any complaints of large amounts of cocaine that have been used in any of the Poor Law institutions in England and Wales; whether he will give the House particulars; and is it his intention to set up an inquiry into these charges?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)My right hon. Friend has received no formal complaint of this kind, but he is aware of one instance in which a Poor Law medical officer has used considerable quantities of this drug for his own treatment. The officer has resigned his appointment and my right hon. Friend sees no reason for further action on his part.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say what was the amount of cocaine used by this medical officer?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir, it was a very unhappy case, and I do not think it is desirable to go further into the matter.
§ Mr. DAYIs it not a fact that in one case £2,000 worth of this drug was used at an institution in one year?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir, there is no justification for any anxiety on that account.