MR. HERBERT ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether the Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the Excise administration of India and to promote reforms therein has now been considered by the Government of India; and, if so, whether he can arrange for its circulation to Members of Parliament during the present session.
§ *THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. MORLEY, Montrose Burghs)I have ascertained from the Government of India that they are considering the report, and that owing to the importance and complexity of the questions involved, some time may elapse before they can come to decisions on the recommendations of the Committee. I quite understand my hon. friend's desire to be put in early possession of the Report, and I will see that it is presented 323 as soon as the Government of India have dealt with it.
MR. HERBERT ROBERTSI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in the Report on Excise Administration in Bengal, that the excise revenue for the year 1905–6 amounted to 153 lakhs (£1,019,898), representing an increase of 11 lakhs (£73,326), or 7.9 per cent. on the figures of the previous year; whether he is aware that the Bengal Excise Bill, which was under the consideration of the provincial Legislative Council two years ago, was designed to diminish the facilities for the sale of intoxicating liquors; and whether, in view of the spread of drinking habits among the people, this measure will now be proceeded with.
§ *MR. MORLEYI have referred to the Report, and I find the evidence in it that the increase in revenue is duo to a considerable extent to increased duties on drugs and heavier license fees. I have ascertained from the Government of India that it is proposed to reconsider the Bengal Excise Bill in the light of the recommendations of the Excise Committee before proceeding further with it.