§ 61. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the many cases of dangerous drugs stolen from the cars of medical practitioners, he will take steps to ensure that such persons are penalised for their neglect?
§ Sir J. AndersonIt is, of course, important that special care shall be taken as regards the custody of drugs, but I know of no ground for the suggestion that legislation is required to check carelessness by medical practitioners. My Department has heard of only 14 cases in the last 12 months where drugs have been included among articles stolen from cars, and in 10 of these cases the drugs were recovered intact.
§ Sir J. LambWill my right hon. Friend take steps to ascertain the actual number of these cases, not those which his Department has heard of, because this question was asked four years ago and since then repeated cases have occurred of dangerous drugs being taken from cars?
§ Sir J. AndersonThese matters should be reported to the police, and they will then automatically come to the notice of my Department. If they are not reported there is no way in which the information can get to my Department.
Dr. GuestIs there any foundation for the suggestion that a large number of these cases have taken place? It seems rather a slur on the medical profession.
§ Mr. A. EdwardsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the B.B.C. have frequently had to warn people of these occurrences and against taking these drugs?