§ SIR HENRY COTTONTo ask the Secretary of State for India if he can state the circumstances under which 9,059 acres were cultivated with poppy in the Punjab in 1903–4 and 5,970 acres in 1904–5; and whether, looking to the fact that the cultivation in this province is remote from the Government opium factories at Ghazipore and Patna, he will consider whether poppy cultivation in the Punjab should not be altogether abolished.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley.) The cultivation of poppy in certain districts of the Punjab has long been permitted. The crop is grown under the usual restrictions, and the produce is used by the excise department of Punjab instead of Bengal opium. As at present advised I see no reason for dealing specially or exceptionally with the question of the cultivation of opium in this particular province.