§ Mr. FraserTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to relax controls on the import of morphine derivatives to provide greater competition in the United Kingdom market.
§ Mr. HurdThe Monopolies and Mergers Commission, in its report on the supply of opium derivatives in the United Kingdom, recommended that, in order to increase competition in the United Kingdom market, 1 should work towards a relaxation of the restrictions which I now maintain on the importation of these products. The restrictions, which are supported by the International Narcotics Control Board, are designed to help limit the volume of international trade in these products, thereby minimising the risks of diversion to the illicit market. Similar restrictions are maintained by a number of other countries, including several of our European Community partners. In the light of the MMC report, I am discussing with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how increased competition may be provided in this field consistent with the need for strict control of supply.