§ 20. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has completed his examination of the existing controls over the supply of drugs; and if he will now make a statement on the action he intends to take to make these controls more adequate.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI have obtained a good deal of information about the working of the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1964, which came into operation on 31st October, 1964. I am making further inquiries and have not yet reached any conclusions on the possible need for amendment of the Act.
§ Mrs. ButlerHas my right hon. Friend yet made a decision about the licensing of coffee clubs so that they can be registered and inspected? These are one of the most prolific sources of drug invasion.
§ Mr. JenkinsThis is a matter which would be dealt with in the Bill which is currently being sponsored by the Lord Chief Justice, as the right hon. and 883 learned Member for St. Marylebone (Mr. Hogg) mentioned, and which the hon. Member for Blackpool, North (Mr. Miscampbell) has given notice of his intention to introduce in this House. I hope that progress may be made with that Bill.
§ Mr. DeedesIs the Home Secretary aware that all this evidence points to the fact that clubs are the great key to this problem? As he himself cannot find time to legislate, will he ensure that all co-operation is given by the Home Office to Members of both Houses who are seeking to remedy this evil?
§ Mr. JenkinsYes. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman and the House that we are giving—indeed, we have already given—such co-operation.