§ Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether evidence exists to the effect that cocaine was smuggled to India in Austrian steamers before the outbreak of war; and whether cocaine dens have, since the suppression of opium, been established in most of the big Indian cities?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINCocaine has in the past been smuggled into India by Austrian and German and also by other steamship lines. The habit, in a more or less furtive form, exists in Indian seaport towns and in a less degree in the largest inland cities; but, so far as my information goes, it is unconnected with the opium habit or with measures taken to suppress the latter.