HC Deb 17 July 1930 vol 241 cc1455-6
33. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

asked the Home Secretary what steps, if any, have been taken to summon a preliminary conference of countries manufacturing narcotics with a view to limitation of their output, as suggested on behalf of Great Britain at Geneva on 14th May last; and if be will give a list of the countries to be invited to participate in any such conference?

Mr. CLYNES

It has not yet been possible to take any steps to convene the proposed preliminary conference as the preparation work is not yet completed.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

Is the Home Secretary aware that the Foreign Secretary said at Geneva in May last that he would be happy to take the initiative to summon such a meeting for the end of July?

Mr. CLYNES

My answer has indicated that the inquiries are not yet sufficiently complete to enable such a meeting to be held.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

Would it not be too late to do it now in preparation for the conference in October?

Mr. CLYNES

I will consult my right hon. Friend on that matter.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

When will the inquiries be completed?

Mr. CLYNES

I could not say. They are not quite in the hands of the Home Office.

Mr. MARLEY

Will the Home Secretary take action against doctors who leave drugs in open cars and fine them when that takes place?

Mr. CLYNES

Steps have been taken in regard to that matter.

34. Dr. MORRIS-JONES

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that drugs of a poisonous character can be procured from automatic machines outside chemists' establishments in the county of London; and whether, in view of the Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1908, and the danger involved to the public, he will cause any such vendors to be prosecuted?

Mr. CLYNES

I have seen in the Press the report of a case in which the legality of such sales was raised, and the Judge decided that they involved a breach of Section 3 of the Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1908. The proceedings for the recovery of a penalty under that Section are of a civil character and are instituted by the Registrar of the Pharmaceutical Society, and I have no power to intervene. I understand the case in question was arranged by the Pharmaceutical Society for the purpose of testing the legality of such sales, and the judgment will, no doubt, be taken note of by those concerned.