§ Mr. THEODORE TAYLORasked whether, seeing that the production of opium in China is being very largely restricted, he is now prepared to respond to the desire of the Chinese Government to shorten the period of nearly eight years during which India is to continue to send opium to China?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)In undertaking, in response to the request of the Chinese Government, that the Indian opium traffic with China should, if certain conditions were fulfilled, be brought to a close within ten years, His Majesty's Government contemplated a settlement that would be final, and that was within the capacity of both countries to carry out, with due regard to the magnitude of the changes involved and interests affected. In this spirit it was accepted by the Chinese Government, which has not expressed a desire to reopen the question. The strict fulfilment of India's share of the agreement has imposed serious burdens on the Indian Government and on the Native States of India. His Majesty's Government are not disposed to disturb the settlement arrived at with the Chinese Government.
§ Mr. THEODORE TAYLORHas there been any recent decrease in the income from opium in India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUYes, there has been a decrease.