§ Mr. RAMSDENasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the statement at the missionary conference at Swanwiek, in Derbyshire, to the effect that sufficient morphia was being smuggled into China annually to give every man, woman, and child three 2079W injections, and that the sources of supply were England, America, and Germany; and, if this be true, what steps are being taken to abate the export?
§ Mr. SHORTTMy attention had not been called to this statement, and I do not know on what information it is based. The export of morphine from this country is prohibited except under licence from the Home Office, and all possible steps are being taken to prevent its export for other than medical or scientific purposes. As, however, I have previously stated, the traffic can only be successfully controlled by international co-operation, and one means to this end would be the adoption and enforcement by all countries of the system of importation certificates which has been recommended by the League of Nations. I understand the Council of the League are urging the members of the League to bring the system into operation at an early date.