On the section, I would like to know from the Minister if any special report has been made to him on methylmorphine, or if he can inform the House if it is a derivative of morphia? Can he say that it is the opinion of the medical profession that codeine is a dangerous drug within the meaning of the purposes of this legislation?
In Committee On Finance—Money Resolution - Dangerous Drugs Bill, 1933—Committee.
Sections 1 to 21, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 22.
Question proposed: "That Section 22 stand part of the Bill."
I have been told by the medical profession it is a rather common drug and contains morphia. It is rather commonly used by the medical profession.
And the Minister is of opinion that it should be properly controlled by a Bill of this character?
So I am advised.
I am not in a position to contest that.
Can the Minister say if the use of these drugs is likely to conflict in any way with patent medicines that are sold in tabloid form?
If they are used at all they are regulated.
There are certain medicines sold with a description of the percentage of whatever other articles are included in them. Does the section prohibit their sale?
When the Bill was being drafted the intention was that it was not to interfere with the retail trade, and I do not think it goes as far as the Deputy's question would suggest.
Suppose a patent preparation contains, as one of its ingredients, a small percentage of codeine, will Part V of the Act apply to that patent preparation because it contains a small percentage of codeine?
There would be the power to interfere, but I do not anticipate that it would be interfered with in that way. The power would be there under the Bill.
To interfere with anything that contains any of the scheduled drugs?
Is it intended to prohibit the sale of these?
No, but there will be regulation.
Sections 22 to 26, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 27.
Question proposed: "That Section 27 stand part of the Bill."
I would like to know from the Minister if this section is included in pursuance of some international convention?
Yes.
I take it that it arises from the convention signed at Geneva?
Yes.
And are the other similar sections included for the same reason?
Yes. They follow the two conventions, the one held in 1925 and the one held in 1931.
Sections 27 to 36, inclusive, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment.
Agreed: That the Final Stages of the Bill be taken now.