§ 2. Colonel DAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his Department has any information with reference to the illicit importation of cocaine into India; and can he give the particulars?
§ Earl WINTERTONI will send the hon. Member copy of a recent question and answer in the Indian Council of State on the subject, and some particulars which were communicated to the League of Nations to illustrate the extent of the traffic. All cocaine used in India is imported; its importation is subject to the closest control, but the illicit traffic cannot be successfully stopped, except with the co-operation of manufacturing countries.
§ Colonel DAYCan the Noble Lord say where the majority of the illicit importations of cocaine come from?
§ Earl WINTERTONNo, I cannot, in every case, give the country of origin. If the hon. Member will read the answer given in the Council of State, which was a rather full statement, he will see the difficulties of the problem. The point is that it does come from other countries, but it is impossible to say the particular country. For example, if a man is found with illicit cocaine, it is impossible to say where he got it, but if other countries would have the same Regulations as those in force in India, we should be able to stop it.
§ Colonel DAYIs it not a fact that the majority of it comes from China?
§ Earl WINTERTONAs I say, it is quite impossible to say.