§ Dr. Broughtonasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the concern that has been expressed by many members of the medical profession about the proposed prohibition of the manufacture of heroin, he will take steps immediately to consult practising doctors as a whole as to the wisdom of banning the drug.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodPrior to advising my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, I consulted as did my predecessors the Standing Medical Advisory Committee which includes the most highly-regarded medical opinion in the country. This Committee when it considered the problem had among its members nineteen doctors who were in active practice. I am sure this is the most suitable body to consult.
§ Dr. Broughtonasked the Minister of Health which bodies, representative of the medical profession, he consulted before he reached his decision to ban the use of heroin.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Surrey, East (Mr. Doughty) on 24th November.