§ MR. H. J. WILSON (York, W. R., Holmfirth)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India what is the total number of places licensed for the sale of opium in Burma; what is the total number in other parts of India; whether the licence-holders are required to sell a specified quantity of opium; what is the quantity or, if variable, what is the average quantity so specified; whether the same form of licence is used in all parts of India; and, whether he will lay upon the Table a copy of the licence, or of each kind of licence, if more than one is used?
*SIR J. GORSTThe total number of places licensed for the sale of opium in Burma is 36; in other parts of India 1424 8,798. Licensed holders are required to sell a specified quantity in Bombay, but so far as the Secretary for State is aware, not in any other province. The average minimum sale specified for the 17 districts of Bombay is 9,482 lb. per district. The average actual sale is somewhat less. If the hon. Member will move for a return of the forms of licence, the Secretary of State will procure them from India.