HC Deb 13 July 1967 vol 750 c128W
52. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the present number of hard-drug addicts.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The number of known addicts in the United Kingdom on 31st December, 1966 was 1,349. We do not have enough information on which to base a reliable estimate of the total number of addicts.

53. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce amending legislation to differentiate between comparatively harmless drugs, such as cannabis, and dangerous hard drugs, such as heroin, and to amend the legal penalties accordingly for using the former.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Channon) on 10th July.—[Vol. 750, c.25.]