§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the short space of time 179W which elapsed between the publication of the Dangerous Drugs (No. 2) Regulations, 1964, and their coming into operation allowed insufficient time for a clear interpretation to be given to pharmacists; and what steps he is taking to avoid a recurrence.
§ Mr. George ThomasIt was necessary to revise the Dangerous Drugs Regulations following ratification by the United Kingdom of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, and the new Regulations had to be brought into operation on 1st December, 1964, the day already appointed by Order for related provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1964, to take effect. My right hon. Friend much regrets that preparation of the revised Regulations was not completed in time to allow the normal interval after publication before they came into effect. The circumstances are not likely to recur, and my right hon. Friend will ensure that adequate notice is given in future when new Regulations are made.