§ Lord EltonMy Lords, I beg to move that the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Modification) Order 1984, a draft of which was laid before this House on 22nd May, be approved. This draft order has been considered by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, which made no comment. It seeks to add a number of substances to the list of those controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and to reclassify one particular drug which is already controlled.
These proposals follow from United Kingdom obligations under the two United Nations international conventions on drugs. They have been considered and agreed by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in accordance with the requirements of the Act. There have been extensive consultations with the medical and pharmaceutical interests and a number of minor changes made to take account of points raised.
If this order is approved the Home Secretary will be making the necessary subordinate legislation which will provide the detailed regimes of control to which these drugs will be subject. Those regulations will be subject to the negative resolution procedure. These orders are of a technical nature. An explanatory memorandum has been placed in the Library of the House which explains the background to the order and the exact proposals in respect of each drug. Noble Lords may therefore prefer that I should not go into further detail, but I am, of course, happy to do so if your Lordships so wish. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the draft order laid before the House on 22nd May be approved.—(Lord Elton.)
§ Lord MishconMy Lords, as I understand it, this order requires the affirmative approval of both Houses of Parliament. Therefore, it is extremely correct that the noble Lord the Minister should, on a very esoteric subject, give the explanation that he did to the House. I feel that, having heard it, the House will have no difficulty in approving the order.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.?