Narcotics Production
Home Department
Written answers and statements, 4 September 2006
Malcolm Moss (Shadow Minister (Culture, Media & Sport), Culture, Media & Sport; North East Cambridgeshire, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons pharmaceutical manufacturers of opiate-based analgesic medicines are limited in the sources of imported raw materials from overseas manufacturers; and if he will make a statement.
Vernon Coaker (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Home Office; Gedling, Labour)
In common with other major opiate manufacturing countries, the United Kingdom does not permit importation of such base material drugs domestically manufactured and readily available. This policy is in furtherance of the aims of the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 to limit international supply to what is necessary for countries' medical needs. It is adjusted to take account of treaty obligations on overseas trade with the European Union and the European Economic Association only.