§ MR. CAINETo ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is aware that the importation of opium into Ceylon last year was 21,005 lbs., in 1895 12,827 lbs., in 1880 10,116 lbs., while in 1870 it was only 2,499 lbs., thus increasing over eight-fold in thirty years; and whether he will order an inquiry into the causes of this increase, with a view to its abatement.
217 (Answered by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain.) The figures quoted appear to be correct, except for the year 1870, when the imports amounted to 12,449 lbs., and not 2.499 lbs. I will ask the Governor of Ceylon to make inquiry into the causes of any increase.