§ Mr. ASHLEYasked the Prime Minister whether the cost of making good the loss of Indian revenue caused by the extinction of the opium trade between India and China will fall upon the British or Indian taxpayer?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)The extent of the loss from the progressive restriction and eventual extinction of the Indian opium trade with China, and the date of the extinction of the trade, are at present undetermined and depend on contingencies that cannot be accurately foreseen. So far there has been no loss to the revenue owing to the higher prices due to the policy of restriction.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman answer my question on whom the loss falls?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have answered it. There is no loss at present. I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman heard the second part of my answer.
§ Mr. GEORGE LLOYDCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether there is any prospect of any assistance being forthcoming for the smaller native states whose revenues have been affected?
§ The PRIME MINISTERObviously that is a question of which notice should be given.