asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times his Advisory Committee on Drug Abuse has met this year.

The non-statutory Advisory Committee on Drug Dependence was disbanded at the end of last year. The new statutory Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs will be established next month.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a supply of so-called Chinese heroin is persistently available in a main London street? As no Advisory Committee is sitting at this time, will he take other action to stop this racket?

This is a matter which the police have very much in mind, and they have taken certain action.