HC Deb 03 April 1933 vol 276 cc1414-6
20. Mr. HANNON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the publication of the annual report for the year 1932 of the Central Narcotics Intelligence Bureau, presented to the Egyptian Government by Russell Pasha, in which co-operation among European nations for the suppression of the drug traffic trade is emphasised; if His Majesty's Government intend to ratify the convention agreed at Geneva in 1931 for the limitation of the manufacture of narcotics; what other States have decided to sign the convention; and if steps will be taken through diplomatic channels to secure that they will conform to it?

Sir J. SIMON

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, the ratification in respect of the United Kingdom was despatched to the Secretary-General of the League on the 30th March. As regards the third part of the question, I presume that my hon. Friend intends to inquire what other States have decided to ratify the convention. I am not in a position to give any precise information on this point but I anticipate that sufficient ratifications will have been received to enable the convention to be brought into force by the 13th July, 1933. As regards the last part of the question, I see no reason to anticipate the failure of any party to the convention to conform to its provisions.

Mr. HANNON

Is it not a fact that one particular State has caused great difficulty in arriving at a unanimous agreement?

Sir J. SIMON

I must ask for notice of that question.

50. Mr. NEIL MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government propose to introduce legislation to ratify the proposals of the anti-drug convention; and, if so, when the Bill is expected to be introduced?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)

The Dangerous Drugs Act, 1932, was passed to give effect to the convention of 1931, to which I presume the hon. Member refers, and no further legislation for this purpose is required.

Mr. MACLEAN

Does the Minister consider that the Act gives him all the power that he requires?

Forward to