§ Mr. GILBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements exist between the Government of India and Hong Kong in regard to the importation of opium into the Colony; how many chests are imported 1826W monthly; whether it is proposed to increase or diminish the amount; and whether such imported opium is to be used for medical purposes or for smoking?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe supply of opium by the Government of India to the Government of Hong Kong is regulated by an agreement which has force for five years from the 1st of January, 1921. This agreement provides for the price to be charged by the Government of India, for a fixed amount of opium to be supplied month by month, and for the giving of six months' notice of any increase or decrease in the amount required by the Hong Kong Government. The rate of import is now 20 chests per month, and it is not at present proposed to vary this amount. The opium is mainly used for the preparation of chandu for smoking.