§ MR. ATKINSON (Boston)asked the Under Secretary of State for India, If the Government has any intention of 28 promoting or establishing any trade in opium in Upper Burmah; and, if the Government intends to persevere in the effort to legalize, by licence, trade in intoxicating drinks with the Natives or others in Upper Burmah?
§ MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)said, before the hon. Gentleman answered the Question, he wished to repeat a Question which he put on the same subject last week, as to whether he had received information from India with reference to the subject of the liquor and opium traffic in Burmah; and whether he would lay the Returns before the House?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)In July, 1877, I stated, in reply to the hon. Member for Aberdeen, that whatever Regulations for the sale of opium and spirits in Upper Burmah were made, would be for the purpose of restricting their sale in the interests of public order, and of preventing their sale to Burmans, and most certainly not with the view of raising revenue thereby. It is in accordance with this principle that Regulations affecting the sale of opium and spirits in Upper Burmah are now being considered and framed in India. With regard to the Question asked by the hon. Member for Aberdeen, I may say that immediately alter his Question in the House last week, I caused a telegram to be sent to India with the view of expediting such Returns; but, of course, I have not as yet received any information or Report. When I do receive such Report, it will be laid on the Table of the House. I may mention that the last mail for India brought some Papers on the subject; and I can assure the hon. Member and the House that the principle laid down by the Secretary of State last year will be adhered to.