HC Deb 01 December 1955 vol 546 cc2502-3
40. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of successful prosecutions in England and Wales for the illegal possession of Indian hemp during 1953 and 1954; and what proportion of these were in the Metropolitan Police area, and what proportion in the remainder of the country.

Major Lloyd-George

Eighty-three convictions for the possession of Indian hemp were recorded in 1953, of which 51 were in the Metropolitan Police district. In 1954, the figures were 144 and 84 respectively.

Dr. Johnson

In view of the increase in these convictions, is the Home Secretary fully satisfied that provincial police authorities in all parts of the country are aware of the dangers of this drug?

Major Lloyd-George

I have no reason to doubt that they are aware of it. While there was an increase in 1954, the figures up to date this year indicate that a slight decrease will be shown.