HC Deb 07 February 1963 vol 671 cc654-5
23. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the latest figures are of drug addicts known to the authorities.

Mr. Woodhouse

There are 456 known addicts to drugs controlled under the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1951.

Mr. Lipton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is reason to believe that the number of drug addicts has been gravely under-estimated by his Department, that stimulants and sedatives are far too loosely controlled and that all kinds of people are developing drug addiction as a result? Has not the time come for a much more accurate inquiry into the present state of affairs with a view to much more definite action being taken by the Home Office?

Mr. Woodhouse

I am aware of statements which from time to time are made in the Press and elsewhere and which suggest that the number has been gravely under-estimated. Our experience is that whenever such statements are published and we seek to trace the evidence on which they are based, we make very little progress in adding to the evidence already in our possession. Any evidence which we can obtain from any quarter or which may come to us from the Press or elsewhere will be carefully examined. We are very acutely aware of the gravity of the problem.

Sir W. Wakefield

Is my hon. Friend aware that if he visits a hostel in my constituency, he will be able to get much of the evidence which will substantiate what the hon. Member for Brixton (Mr. Lipton) has just said. I hope that he will pay a visit to the hostel and listen to what people in charge of it have to say, for he will find it quite shattering.

Mr. Woodhouse

That is precisely the kind of evidence which we would like to have made available to us.