4. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary of State for India why 300,000 lbs. of quinine owned by the Government of 1544 India are lying idle; for how long has this been the case; and what arrangements are now in contemplation for making this stock of quinine available for the millions who annually suffer from malaria and cannot procure it?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe Government of India habitually maintain a reserve stock of quinine for emergencies. This reserve rose to 300,000 lbs. about 1926 and continued at or above that figure until 1932. Measures have since been initiated to reduce it to 150,000 lbs. which is regarded as a sufficient reserve. In March, 1933, it had been reduced to 282,759 lbs. I have no later figure, but I understand that the Government of India are doing their best to increase sales. I will ask them for a further report with reference to the last part of the question.
Duchess of ATHOLLIs it not the case that the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Agriculture in 1928 that the Government of India should control production, manufacture and distribution in the interest of those who suffer from malaria has been held up since the first Round Table Conference because the proposed Federal Government would have no power to deal with the matter?
§ Sir S. HOAREMy Noble Friend is totally misinformed. The attitude of the Government of India has nothing whatever to do with any proposal that was discussed at the Round Table Conference. The Government of India are maintaining a policy which has always been in existence, namely, that they should have a substantial reserve of quinine and should do their best to encourage the population to make use of it.
Duchess of ATHOLLIf the right hon. Gentleman looks at the Reports of the Government of India in regard to the recommendations of the Royal Commission which have been carried into operation, will he not find that this recommendation was held up after the first Round Table Conference because the Federal Government would have no power to deal with the matter?
§ Sir S. HOAREI cannot do more than repeat the answer I have given, that there is no foundation for that suggestion as far as I know.