MR. HERBERT ROBERTS) (Denbighshire, W.I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of Bengal has decided to abolish the out-still system throughout the province, and to introduce the contract distillery system; if so, whether he will state the grounds upon which this decision has been arrived at; and whether the new system is to be experimental or permanent.
§ MR. BRODRICKThe contract distillery system has this year been experimentally introduced into the Orissa Division. If it should prove satisfactory, its gradual extension to areas at present under the out-still system is contemplated. The Bengal Government considers that if the out-still system can be successfully replaced by a stricter system the Excise administration will gain.