§ Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether, in existing conditions in China, the obligations undertaken by the Government of that country when the Government of India relinquished the opium trade are being observed, or 1178W whether there are indications that poppy cultivation flourishes, the profits now being reaped by great landholders and officials in China instead of by small landowners and the general population of India?
§ Lord R. CECILMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The answer is in the affirmative. The last six provinces remaining open to the introduction of Indian certificated opium under the terms of the agreement of 191I have just been jointly inspected by Chinese Commissioners and British Consular Officers appointed for the purpose and have been reported to be free from poppy cultivation.