§ Mr. THEODORE TAYLORasked the Under-Secretary for India how many chests of Malwa and provision opium, respectively, still remain in the possession of the Indian Government; whether it is its intention to authorise any further planting of opium poppy in India on Government account; if so, how many acres; and when would such planting take effect?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe estimated stock of Bengal opium on 31st March last was 16,818 chests. There is no Government holding of Malwa opium for export, and for Excise use it is purchased as required. The area which is being licensed for poppy growing this year in British India is limited to 156,000 acres. Licences are now being given.
§ Mr. THEODORE TAYLORalso asked whether any Indian opium certificated for sale to China yet remains in India, and how many such chests have been shipped to China since April last?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt was reported to the Government of India in July last that of the 2,760 chests of Malwa opium, the right to export which was bought by traders at the sales in November and December, 1912, 1,775 chests then remained at Bombay. The Secretary of State has no later information. He understands that there is no certificated opium at Calcutta.