HC Deb 25 July 1968 vol 769 cc984-5
60. Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will seek to amend the Dangerous Drugs Act to permit the owners of registered sea-going yachts to carry a maximum of two Omnipon ampules for first aid purposes on application to a physician, without payment of a licensing duty.

Mr. Ennals

No. Sir, but I am prepared to consider on their merits applications from owners of registered seagoing yachts for licences to carry supplies of Omnipon for first aid purposes.

Mr. Lloyd

Does not the Minister think that the present rate of charge for these licences is so great as to discourage owners of such vessels from taking reasonable first aid precautions? Does he not consider this intolerable?

Mr. Ennals

It is necessary for there to be licences. It is customary for fees to be charged to cover the administrative costs of considering applications for licences. The hon. Member's suggestion has, of course, been noted, and will be considered in future.