§ Dr. CHAPPLEasked the Prime Minister whether the extinction of the opium trade with China is to be brought to an end within two years as the result of a new agreement between Great Britain and China?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe stipulation in the agreement recently concluded between His Majesty's Government and China bearing on the extinction of the Indian opium traffic is to the following effect: "The export of opium from India to China shall cease in less than seven years if clear proof is given to the satisfaction of the British Minister at Peking of the complete absence of production of native opium in China." The progressive reductions in the quantity of opium exported year by year to China will bring the trade to a close in 1917. It is within the power of China to expedite that event on fulfilment of the specified condition.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWill the hon. Gentleman state to the House who is to make good to the Indian taxpayer this loss of revenue?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThat is a question which I think does not arise out or this question, as loss of revenue so far has not taken place. India has had a larger revenue than ever before.
§ Mr. ASHLEYDoes the lion. Gentleman doubt that there will be a loss?
§ Mr. ASHLEYWill he tell us who will make it up then?
§ Mr. LEIF JONESHas not India received from opium a larger revenue than she expected when she entered into the ten years' agreement with China.