HC Deb 19 December 1912 vol 45 cc1656-7
1. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has information concerning a large quantity of opium accumulated at Shanghai contrary to the Anglo-Chinese Agreement of 1911; and whether China has been warned by the British Minister that the terms of the agreement must be observed?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has asked me to say that he hopes the House will excuse his absence to-day, as he usually is present on Thursday, but he is engaged on special business. The answer to both questions is in the affirmative.

4. Sir H. CARLILE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the reply of the Chinese Government to the warning of Sir John Jordan that, unless unequivocal assurances are immediately forthcoming that it is the intention of China to observe the Anglo-Chinese Agreement of 1911 regarding the importation of opium from India, he will be compelled to advise his Government that remonstrances are ineffective; and whether the Foreign Office has received any representations from India as to the damage done to legitimate trade?

Mr. ACLAND

The reply to the last representations of Sir John Jordan is still being awaited from the Chinese Government. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative, and the whole matter is receiving the careful attention of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. LEACH

Is it a fact that there was much less planting this autumn than there was last year?

Mr. ACLAND

It is still rather early to be certain as to the amount of planting that has taken place this autumn, but that is the very question on which careful inquiry is now being made, and it is upon the results of that inquiry as to what steps are being taken to suppress the growth and sale of native opium that the policy of the Government must largely depend.

Sir J. D. REES

Does not the evidence so far received tell the other way?

Mr. ACLAND

No, that is not so. Such evidence as we have—we have not yet received that of our own Consuls or Ambassador—is to the effect that there has been a very considerable diminution of planting this autumn as compared with last year.