CO129-465 - Public Offices & Others - 1920 — Page 116

Confidentit

Opium Legislation

in the British Empori

115

29/4/20

bollein 29.11

acher 14

Fidian 30

Gridh. 1.12.20

1.12. 20 p

57572/10 Gen.

I.

Self-Governing Dominions.

A despatch was addressed to the five

Dominions on the 30th March, 1920, inviting their

attention to the relevant articles in the treaties of

peace and to the obligation to enact the necessary legislation within twelve months of the coming into

force of the treaties. The Dominions were asked to forward copies of any legislation subsequently passed

to meet the requirements of the Convention of 1912 and were sent copies of the Dangerous Drugs Act,1920, of the Imperial Parliament as soon as it received

the Royal Assent.

The Dominions have all replied with the

exception of Newfoundland.

Canada has already enacted fresh legisla- tion, 10-11 Geo.V.Cap.31, to meet the requirements of

the Convention.

In Australia the question is one which is

dealt with both by the Commonwealth and State

Parliaments but no new legislation has been consider- ed, although the matter is dealt with by a Commonwealth Proclamation of the 7th September,1914, under the

Customs Act, 1901-16.

The Government of the Union of South

Africa have found it impossible to deal with the question during the present session but propose to include the necessary legislation in a Medical,

Dental, and Pharmacy Bill which is to be introduced

shortly.

New Zealand propose to introduce further

legislation shortly on the lines of the Dangerous

prugs Act in view of the desirability of uniformity

throughout the Empire in this matter.

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