§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONasked the Secretary of State for India, Whether the measures recommended by Mr. Aitcheson, Chief Commissioner of British Burma, for prohibiting the traffic in opium, the consumption of which article he declares to be "affecting the very life of this young and otherwise prosperous province," have been carried out?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe principal measures recommended by Mr. Aitcheson, which are embodied in the draft Orders of the Chief Commissioner of British Burmah (vide page 17 of Parliamentary Return) have been carried into effect. The number of shops for the retail sale of opium has been reduced from 68 to 27, with effect from the 1st of April last. From the same date, also, the rates at which opium is supplied by the collector to a farmer, licensed vendor, or medical practitioner have been raised from 24 rupees to 28 rupees in Arakan and to 32 rupees a seer in Pegu and Tenasserim. Three other recommendations were made by Mr. Aitcheson in connection with this subject, which do not appear to have been adopted. They are as follows:—1. That opium should only be consumed on the premises, and that the possession of opium in any quantity, however small, outside the shops, except under a pass from the collector, should be illegal. 2. That habitual opium smokers should be 1358 placed under restraint and required to find security for their good behaviour. 3. That a Commissioner of Excise should be appointed for Burmah.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONCan the noble Lord inform the House whether the shops which are to be closed are to receive compensation?
§ MR. O'DONNELLHave any similar complaints been made with regard to the extension of the traffic in the drug under Government auspices with any other part of British India?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI have no recollection of any such complaints having been made; but if the hon. Member will give Notice of his Question I will make inquiry.