asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet reached a decision on the supply of morphia in collapsible tubes for emergency use to accredited mountain-rescue parties.

I have written to the representatives of mountaineering interests outlining arrangements which will, I understand, be satisfactory to them; and I have sent my hon. Friend a copy of the letter.

May I ask my right hon. Friend if he is aware how timely this decision is, in view of the approaching Christmas holidays, and can he explain how far this new decision differs from the previous regulations?

No, Sir. These are arrangements made to meet extraordinary circumstances in mountaineering districts, particularly in the Lake District.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that hon. Gentlemen opposite may find a little morphia soothing after the. forthcoming landslide?