HC Deb 29 November 1965 vol 721 cc985-6
14. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement on the report of the Brain Committee on Drug Addiction.

Mr. K. Robinson

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for South Shields (Mr. Blenkinsop) on 25th November.

Mrs. Butler

While I understand the need for consultation in dealing with this spreading sore of drug addiction, does my right hon. Friend understand the extent of public anger at the ease with which young people can obtain drugs from drug addicts and the need for quick action on this? How soon will he be making a statement on measures he intends to take to implement the Report, and how quickly will he take them?

Mr. Robinson

I agree with my hon. Friend that this Report discloses a disturbing situation. However, I think that it would be premature for me to make a statement of the Government's intentions before the consultations with the medical profession are completed. But I am fully aware of the urgency of the matter.

Mr. Wood

While understanding that the right hon. Gentleman cannot make a statement at the moment, can he say how long it will take to complete these discussions and whether he will be able to make a statement early in the New Year to allay some of the disquiet which is felt?

Mr. Robinson

Certainly, I hope that early in the New Year at least I can make a further statement. The consultations are already under way and we are treating them as a matter of urgency.

51. Mr. Wood

asked the Minister of Health what discussions he has had about the immediate setting up of an advisory committee to review the whole problem of drug addiction, as recommended in the Second Report of the Interdepartmental Committee, published on 25th November, 1965.

Mr. K. Robinson

The consultations referred to in my reply of 25th November to my hon. Friend the Member for South Shields cover this as well as the Committee's other recommendations.