§ 69. Mr. Remnantasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what restrictions there are on the manufacture and use of opium in this country.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Hugh Lucas-Tooth)Opium may only be imported into the United Kingdom under licence and through approved ports. The possession, procuring, supply, and the use of opium for manufacturing drugs require a licence or other authority. Licensees and other authorised persons are required to comply with conditions as to labelling, safe custody, the keeping of records, and, as regards manufacture and supply, the making of returns as to receipts and disposals of the drug and its derivatives. The manufacture, sale, other dealing in, and possession of opium prepared for smoking are completely prohibited.
§ Mr. RemnantIs the Under-Secretary aware that so long as opium is available it is quite possible to make a passable imitation of heroin in a kitchen saucepan? Does that not militate against the ban on heroin?
§ Sir H. Lucas-ToothI think that question should be put to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.