EARL of RONALDSHAYasked if, as a result of reorganisation in 1904, the Opium Department in India was recruited by competitive examination, the successful candidates being entitled to an initial salary of 200 rupees a month, rising by gradual increments to 800 rupees, and also enjoying advantages in the way of travelling allowances, leave rules, and pension; and if the conditions of service in the department were such as to entitle the successful candidates to assume that their position as employés in a superior branch of State service was assured?
§ Mr. MONTAGUNo change in the mode of recruiting the Opium Department was made in 1004. Entrance to the Department continued to be by selection in the case of natives of India, and by competitive examination among nominated candidates in the case of Europeans and Eurasians. The orders of 1904 were confined to altering the existing scale of salaries in some particulars. Officers of the Opium Department are subject generally to such liabilities as are common to all branches of the public service. The Indian regulations provide for the grant of compensation in the event of an appointment being abolished and no other suitable employment being found for the holder. But every effort is made to provide such employment.
EARL of RONALDSHAYasked if, on the conclusion of the Opium Treaty between Great Britain and China in 1906, a memorial was presented to the Indian Government by officers of the opium department in 1907 as to the possible effect of the treaty upon their prospects; and if, in response to their memorial, they were assured by the Viceroy in 1909 that due consideration would be given by the Government to the reasonable interests of officers whose services in the department might have to be dispensed with as a result of reductions in the operations of the department?
§ Mr. MONTAGUMemorials were presented to the Government of India in 1907 by twenty-nine assistant opium agents, praying for increased pay and allowances, accelerated promotion, and other benefits on the ground that their prospects were injuriously affected by the possibility that the opium department would be curtailed or reduced. The Government of India saw no reason to grant the prayers of the 182 memorialists, but said that due consideration would be given to the reasonable interests of all competent officers whose services might have to be dispensed with in the event of further large reductions in the operations of the department.
EARL of RONALDSHAYasked if in August last three months' notice was given to the employés in the opium department at Moughyr, Motihari, Siwan, Arrah and Gaya; and, if so, can he say what steps, if any, have been taken to provide these men with employment equal in status and in emolument and prospects to that from which they have been discharged?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Secretary of State has no information on the subject. The abolition of the appointments in question and the provision to be made for the displaced holders are matters with which the Government of India are competent to deal, and which are not reported to the Secretary of State.
EARL of RONALDSHAYasked how many gazetted officers have been discharged or given notice of discharge from the opium department as a result of the Opium Treaties of 1906 and 1911; and can he say whether posts have been or will be found for such officers in services of equal status, such as the police service, the imperial Customs service, or the financial department?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI would refer the Noble Lord to the answer given to his last question. The Government of India have undertaken to give due consideration to the reasonable interests of all competent officers whose services may be dispensed with.
§ Colonel YATEIs it not a fact that the opium department is recruited entirely in India, and gives employment to domiciled Europeans and Eurasians, and whether he will therefore take into consideration the question of providing these men with other employment.
§ Mr. MONTAGUIn one of my previous answers I stated, in reply to the Noble Lord (Earl of Ronaldshay), the conditions which the Government make for such employments.
EARL of RONALDSHAYasked if it is the intention of the Government of 183 India to put an end to the cultivation of opium in British India, on the export of opium to China ceasing under the provisions of the Treaty of 1911, and to restrict the cultivation of the drug required for consumption in India and for such export trade as will continue to exist to Native States; and, if so, can he say what provision the Government intend to make for the officers at present serving in the opium department?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Secretary of State is not aware that the Government of India have the intention mentioned by the Noble Lord. In any case, the policy would require the approval of the Secretary of State before any steps to give effect to it were taken in India.
§ Colonel YATEMay I ask whether steps have been taken to prevent the export of opium from Persia, as I see it has largely increased during the last year?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am sure the hon. and gallant Member will agree that does not arise out of the question on the Paper, and I would rather refresh my memory before repeating the answer I gave on a previous occasion.