§ Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to introduce legislation to combat the distribution and usage of heroin; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorUnlawful importation, production, supply and possession of heroin are already offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. A person convicted of unlawful possession faces a sentence of up to five years' imprisonment. The maximum penalty for unlawful supply and other trafficking offences is currently 14 years' imprisonment, and the Government have announced its intention to increase this to life imprisonment. My hon. Friend the Member for Delyn (Mr. Raffan), has introduced a Bill, due for a Second Reading on 1 February 1985, which may provide an early opportunity to give effect to the proposed change.