§ Major POLEasked the Secretary of State for India whether, in respect of the attempt of the Government of India to deal with the question of the consumption of opium in certain areas in British India, what is the present position following the special local inquiries carried out at the instance of the Government of India into the causes and the possibility of reducing the high consumption of opium in these areas?
§ Mr. BENNI am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the report of the proceedings of a conference of local governments which considered the reports of these inquiries. Following upon the deliberations of this conference, the Government of India have recommended all local governments to make an analysis of the figures of consumption in districts where it is known to be high; to obtain more exact information as to the extent to which opium is given to children; to experiment with rationing and registration of consumers; to attempt to equalise the sale price of opium on inter-provincial boundaries; and to consider the possibility of propaganda and welfare work in connection with the administration of opium to children.