§ 14. Mr. MORGAN JONES (for Mr. RHYS DAVIES)asked the Home Secretary what is the number of factories in this country engaged in the manufacture of opium, heroin, cocaine, and other noxious drugs, the amount of capital involved and the number of employés; and whether any of the supplies of these noxious drugs that are sold in London are of British manufacture?
Mr. STANLEYSeven firms are licensed to manufacture medicinal opium, two to manufacture morphine and heroin, and one to manufacture cocaine. The manufacture is carried on in connection with the manufacture of other things, and I am not able to say what proportion of the staff or capital is to be regarded as engaged on the manufacture of these drugs. I cannot assent to the description of these drugs as noxious. The abuse of them is a great danger, but they are invaluable when used medically. The greater part of these drugs used in this country for medical purposes is of British manufacture.