§ Mr. Cohenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what subsidy Her Majesty's Government currently provide for the growing of opium poppies in East Anglia; for what purpose such poppies are grown; what steps are taken to ensure that the resultant crops are not diverted to unlawful purposes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerThere is no subsidy for the growing of poppies in the United Kingdom. This year's very small crop was grown as a replacement for imported seeds which are primarily used in the bakery and confectionery industry. The unlicensed production of controlled drugs from poppies would be an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. My hon. Friend, the Minister of State at the Home Office, has asked the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs urgently to consider the nature of any risk and adequacy of existing Misuse of Drugs Act controls. The council is expected to report to him within the next few weeks.