Dr. RUTHERFORD (Middlesex, Brentford)I beg to ask the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the recent Transvaal Ordinance only allowed each coolie opium on the proscription of the medical officer of the mining company, there is any widespread disease in the compounds requiring opium for its treatment.
§ MR. CHURCHILLI do not know I the extent to which opium is found to be medically required, but will make inquiry.
DR. RUTHERFORDI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the recent edicts of the Chinese Government to suppress the opium traffic in China, His Majesty's Government will annul the Transvaal Ordinance introducing opium into the compounds, more especially in view of the Bucknill Report.
§ MR. CHURCHILLNo, Sir.
§ In reply to Mr. MACKARNESS, who was understood to inquire if this provision was not opposed by the unofficial element of the Council which passed the Ordinances.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe whole matter is now the subject of inquiry. I have expressed the opinion that prima facie, the amount of opium allowed to be used is in excess of what is needed for bona fide medical purposes.