HC Deb 12 February 1992 vol 203 cc521-2W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what review he has undertaken of the standard of security arrangements maintained by the United Kingdom companies presently supplying pharmaceutical heroin—diamorphine—to the national health service.

Mr. John Patten

Companies that supply diamorphine are subject to stringent security requirements which are kept under regular review.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations he has had with air travel authorities about security problems arising from regular commercial shipment of heroin via United Kingdom airports.

Mr. John Patten

The transit of controlled drugs through United Kingdom airports has not hitherto given rise to any significant security problems. The arrangements for such movements are however kept under continuing review.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the International Narcotics Control Board on the proposals to allow commercial importation of heroin—diamorphine—to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

My Department has consulted the International Narcotics Control Board and is taking its views into account.