§ 31. Commander Sir Archibald Southbyasked the Secretary of State for India whether adequate stocks of quinine exist in Bengal; whether it is possible for the public to buy quinine; and, if so, at what price and in what amounts.
§ Mr. AmeryLarge quantities of quinine have throughout been available to the Government of Bengal, but until the middle of November the arrangements for its distribution inside the Province were unsatisfactory. These have now been improved. Distribution in the famine areas is mainly free through hospitals, doctors and the Military relief organisation, etc Sale to the public is controlled, I understand, the rate of Rs.37 per 1b., but local shortages have driven trade stocks underground and black market prices are much higher.
§ Sir A. SouthbyIs my right hon. Friend aware that quinine was being sold in July in Calcutta at 4 annas for a five-grain tablet?