§ MR. BRIGHT (Oldham)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India what is the amount of revenue from opium; what is the probable amount of the surplus of the Indian revenue; and can he give any hope that by a moderate economy in Indian military expenditure enough money can be found to enable the Indian Government to dispense with this item of revenue.
§ MR. MORLEYIn the budget estimates for the present year the total net receipts on account of opium (including excise) are estimated at £3,833,000. The surplus for the financial year is estimated at £874,100. As to the last paragraph, as the subject is to come up for discussion next week, I hope my hon. friend will consent to wait until then for such an answer as I can give him.
§ SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that the effect of opium on Orientals is more serious than that of wine and spirits on Europeans?
§ MR. MORLEYThe hon. Gentleman is anticipating the discussion on this subject.