§ 2.43 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF CRAVENMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider, in the light of conditions arising out of Dr. Adams's case, whether or not the time is appropriate for a review of the laws relating to the use of drugs for medical purposes.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (LORD STRATHCLYDE)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government do not consider it appropriate to circumscribe the clinical freedom of doctors to treat their patients in accordance with their individual judgment except in so far as a doctor's authority to possess or prescribe dangerous drugs may be withdrawn, after conviction of an offence under the Dangerous Drugs Act, as may happen at present.
§ THE EARL OF CRAVENMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. There is a further question which I should like to ask him: Are Her Majesty's Government prepared to sanction euthanasia in any form? Are Her Majesty's Government aware that an answer to this question would give relief to a great many people in this country?
§ LORD STRATHCLYDEMy Lords, I think that that is a completely different question from that which appears on the Order Paper, and I would ask for notice before I answer it.