HC Deb 07 July 1938 vol 338 cc593-4
92. Mr. David Adams

asked the Prime Minister whether he will inquire whether the League of Nations has any reliable statistics showing the extent to which Japan is producing and distributing opium and other narcotics in the Far East generally?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. Like other countries parties to the Opium Convention of 1925, Japan regularly communicates to the Secretariat of the League of Nations statistics of the drugs which she manufactures, as well as of her exports to and imports from other countries. It is, however, very unlikely that the League of Nations authorities possess any comprehensive or reliable information as to the distribution of Japanese exported drugs inside the national boundaries of the importing countries.

Mr. Adams

Will the Minister endeavour to obtain this information?

Mr. Butler

I think the information could be obtained from the League, and I will certainly investigate.