§ Mr. Amessasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons in Great Britain have been charged with drug trafficking offences in 1984–85.
§ Mr. MellorThe latest available information relates to 1983, when 3,919 persons were proceeded against for trafficking in controlled drugs (unlawful production of drugs other than cannabis, unlawful supply, possession with intent to supply unlawfully, and unlawful import or export).
§ Mr. Amessasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what current proposals regarding a convention on extradition proceedings for drug trafficking are currently being discussed by the United Nations.
§ Mr. MellorThe United Kingdom is firmly supporting efforts to draw up a new United Nations convention to deal with all aspects of drug trafficking. We shall be pressing for real progress in the new convention on those issues, like the freezing, seizing and confiscation of the assets of drug traffickers and the extradition of such offenders, where international co-operation is absolutely crucial if the drugs menace is to be defeated. The United Kingdom is submitting this week its response to the United Nations on16W matters to be included in the convention, and I shall arrange for copies of the response to be placed in the Library.
§ Mr. Amessasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has as to the number of persons (a) against whom extradition proceedings have been taken or are planned in relation to drugs-related offences and (b) who are sought by police forces to assist them with inquiries into drug related matters, who have sought asylum in foreign countries between 1980 and 1985.
§ Mr. MellorI shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.