§ Mr. StevensTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens are in detention overseas; how many of these are on drugs charges; what were the comparable figures last year; what action Her Majesty's Government is taking on this problem; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SainsburyA total of 1,318 British citizens were in detention overseas on 30 June 1989, the latest complete figures available; 592 (45 per cent.) were on drugs charges. On 30 June 1988 the figures were 1,175 with 521 (44 per cent.) on drugs charges. Penalties for drug trafficking are becoming more severe—a number of countries now impose the death penalty. We have already taken measures to draw attention to the dangers of carrying and using 65W drugs overseas in consular advice leaflets issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Short films have been distributed to television stations, tour operators and other outlets, each carrying a consular message. The drugs film has been widely broadcast. In addition drugs warnings are given in pamphlets issued with all passports and British visitors passports. The Department has engaged a firm of consultants to advise on carrying forward our consular information campaign, including the drug message. We continue to seize every opportunity to obtain free publicity for the dangers of carrying and using drugs abroad.