SHORTAGE OF DIAMORPHINE

Early day motion 1668, tabled 16 February 2006 by Paul Flynn (Labour). Signed by 27 members.

That this House notes that because of the world shortage of diamorphine anyone dying in a developing country has only a one in 20 chance of pain relief from this most effective pain killer because seven rich countries consume 70 per cent. of the world's supply; urges the licensing of Afghan farmers to use their poppy crops to increase world diamorphine production and to divert them from the heroin trade; and believes this is a sensible alternative to the mass eradication of the only practicable means of livelihood for farmers in the Helmand Province.

Signatures by party: Labour 16, Liberal Democrat 8, Conservative 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.