§ 11. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is the policy of the Government of India to make the provincial councils depend upon excise for their revenue; whether he is aware of the feeling in India against this practice; and whether, in view of the growing demand for the prohibition of the sale of alcohol, opium, etc., he can say what, steps have been taken by the Government of India to readjust the incidence of taxation so as to satisfy such demand?
§ Earl WINTERTONI am not aware of any such policy and as a matter of fact excise revenue in the last three years has accounted for only about 21 per cent, of the total revenue of the provinces. As regards the third part of the, question the hon. Member is no doubt aware that excise is a provincial transferred subject and, as such, is in each province a matter for the Governor acting with his Ministers.