§ Mr. Michael Cocksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many different varieties of LSD have been identified from drugs seized by the customs and police officers during the past year; and what were the corresponding figures for the years 1961 to 1970.
§ Mr. SharplesImportation and possession of LSD have been controlled under the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1964, since September, 1966. Since that time only one chemical form has been identified, namely, Lysergide.
§ Mr. Michael Cocksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many different forms LSD has been found in drugs seized by customs and police officers during the past year: and what were the corresponding figures for the years 1961 to 1970.
§ Mr. SharplesIn 1971 LSD was found in the form of tablets and capsules, of which some 25 different variations in colour, size and shape were detected; gelatine squares were also found. Between September, 1966, when Lysergide was first controlled under the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1964, and the end of 1970, LSD was more commonly detected in such media as blotting paper, postage stamps, sugar lumps, and in powder form and as an additive to preparations such as aspirin.
§ Mr. Michael Cocksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on how many occasions in the past 48W year quantities of cannabis resin weighing 50 lb. or more have been confiscated by the authorities; how many prosecutions followed and how many were successful; and what were the corresponding figures for the years 1961 to 1970;
(2) on how many occasions in the past year quantities of LSD weighing 50 lb. or more have been confiscated by the authorities; how many prosecutions followed and how many were successful; and what were the corresponding figures for the years 1961 to 1970.
§ Mr. SharplesI shall write to the hon. Member as soon as I have this information.
§ Mr. Michael Cocksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many registered drug addicts there were in the Bristol area for 1971; and what were the corresponding figures for 1961 to 1970.
§ Mr. SharplesThe number of narcotic drug addicts in the Bristol area known to the Home Office to be receiving narcotic drugs at 31st December, 1971, was two; the figures at the end of 1969 and 1970 were two and three respectively. Figures for earlier years are not available.
§ Mr. Michael Cocksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many break-ins to chemists shops and other premises where drugs are stored were reported to the police in the Bristol area during 1971; how many prosecutions followed and how many were successful; and what were the equivalent figures for the years 1961 to 1970.
§ Mr. SharplesIn 1971, there were eight break-ins to retail pharmacies or other premises where drugs are stored; in no case were drugs stolen. Information about any related proceedings is not at present available. In 1970, there were five break-ins, three of which were the subject of successful prosecutions. Corresponding information for earlier years is not available.
Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many break-ins to chemists' shops and other premises where drugs are 49W stored in the Southampton area were reported to the police in 1971; and what were the equivalent figures in each year from 1965 to 1970.
§ Mr. SharplesIn 1969, 17; in 1970, 71; and in 1971, 12. Figures for earlier years are not available.