§ 30. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give an assurance arising out of the Report of the Committee on Cannabis under Lady Wootton of Abinger that he will not circularise magistrates advising on sentencing policy on drugs offences.
§ Mr. CallaghanYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterDoes it follow from that highly satisfactory Answer that Press statements to the effect that the courts would be expected to be guided by this Report are wholly unfounded?
§ Mr. CallaghanI am not fully cognisant of what the courts will take account, but I have no doubt that they will maintain their well-known independence on this as on other subjects.