HC Deb 07 February 1893 vol 8 cc658-9
MR. SAMUEL SMITH (Flintshire)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that an official notice has been posted at Bombay, to the effect that at present the right of selling children's (opium) pills has been given to the Bombay opium contractors, and such pills can be bought of all the Government opium shops in Bombay; whether he is aware that many Indian children are poisoned by the free use of opium; and whether the Government will consider the expediency of rescinding this regulation?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. GEORGE RUSSELL,) North Beds

The Secretary of State has no information regarding the Notice referred to by my hon. Friend; nor is he aware that many Indian children are poisoned by the use of opium. He will make inquiries on both points.