§ 3. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether His Majesty's Government is aware that in February last licences of shops for the sale of intoxicants, opium and other drugs were sold by auction in Sind; whether this is the general policy of the Government of India; and whether these auction sales are annual or for what period?
§ Earl WINTERTONMy Noble Friend has no report covering last February. Provincial governors acting with their Ministers are responsible for policy in this matter. Arrangements vary in different Provinces, but, according to the latest information received, the system of annual auction obtains in several of them, including Sind.