HC Deb 24 July 1969 vol 787 cc2117-9
22. Mrs. Renée

Short asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the fact that large quantities of Chinese heroin are being smuggled into the United Kingdom, what action he is taking to locate the point of entry and those responsible for its sale and distribution.

Mr. Callaghan

Traffic in this drug seems largely to be centred on London. While I do not accept all the implications of the Question, both the police and the Customs and Excise are fully alert to the dangers, and all possible lines of inquiry are being followed.

Mrs. Short

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is very grave concern at the apparent ease with which large quantities of this disgraceful adulterated drug can be brought into the country, with the tragic effects of which the House is aware? The fact that it is sold apparently at prices about one-quarter of the ordinary price of heroin on the black market makes it even more available to young people, and surely this ought to be a matter of very great concern to the Department? Does my right hon. Friend think that he has enough people in the drug squad, and will he keep an urgent eye on this matter?

Mr. Callaghan

I think my whole approach to the subject is known to the House. I am very careful about this matter as some of the reports that have appeared have, on the information available to me—I have questioned the police about this—been exaggerated. There have been this year some seizures of heroin from Hong Kong seamen arriving at London docks, but T. can assure the House that no one is lax about this matter in view of the dreadful consequences which can flow from it.

Mr. Deedes

Arising from what the right hon. Gentleman said about the reports, can he tell us whether we have any international means of discussing this matter with these various quarters?

Mr. Callaghan

I suppose it would be possible for us to take the matter up with the Hong Kong authorities and I will consider that, but, on the other hand, I think smuggling by seamen is a traditional venture and it would be one that would be difficult for any authorities to stamp out except by normal police methods.

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