§ 73. Mr. A. HENDERSONasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the report of the Opium Section of the League of Nations, stating that there were 30,000 confirmed drug addicts in this country; and whether he can make a statement on the matter?
§ Mr. LLOYDMy right hon. Friend's attention has been drawn to a statement in the Press that there are 30,000 drug addicts in this country. This statement is wholly unfounded. It purports to be based on a report of the Opium Section of the League of Nations Secretariat, but I am informed that this report contained no such statement. I may add that, according to the information available in the Home Office, the number of addicts known to the authorities does not exceed 700.
§ Mr. HENDERSONCould the hon. Gentleman give the House any information as to whether this traffic is on the increase or otherwise?
§ Mr. LLOYDOur information is that such traffic in this country is very small indeed, and in any case is confined to London; and even there it is very small.
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSIs it not rather unfortunate that people should always be running down and misrepresenting both this country and the affairs of the League of Nations?