§ MR. H. J. WILSONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if he can state the new conditions adopted for the Government sale of opium in Burmah; in what respect they differ from the system previously in existence; and where full particulars can be found.
§ MR. BRODRICKOpium is now bold by selected vendors at a fixed price and under stringent regulations supervised by resident Excise officers. Formerly the licences were auctioned to the highest bidders, who were under no effective restrictions and were not supervised. The object of the new system is to prevent the sale of contraband opium, and to have more hold over the licensed vendors. The number of licences has been increased, while the preventive staff in the districts has been greatly strengthened. The new system is described in the Burma Administration Reports for 1902–3 and 1903–4 and in the Burma Opium Manual. I will have copies sent to the hon. Member.