§ Sir J. D. REESasked whether official Reports have been received by the Secretary of State or by the Government of India to the effect that the poppy is now once more largely grown in the provinces of Kansu, Yunnan, and Szechuan; and whether the Chinese Republic has formally adopted the obligations of the late Imperial Chinese Government in respect of the discontinuance of the growth of the poppy?
§ Sir E. GREYI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given, yesterday to the hon. Member for Hornsey. That reply was as follows:—"Reports have been received that opium cultivation is proceeding in certain provinces of China, over which in the present circumstances the Chinese Government are unable to exercise any effective control. His Majesty's Government are, however, confident that with the full restoration of order the Chinese Government will take the necessary steps to ensure the enforcement of the suppression of the cultivation of opium throughout China."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 20th May,. 1912, col. 1534.]
§ Sir J. D. REESWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question?
§ Sir E. GREYWe believe the present Chinese Government is as much in earnest on this question as the late Chinese Government.
§ Sir J. D. REESWill it take over the obligations?
§ Sir E. GREYThere is only a provisional Government in China now, but if there is any reluctance shown to take over the obligations for the suppression of opium cultivation the whole question will have to be gone into.