7
Objects and Reasons,
The object of this Bill is to make various desirable amendments in the present law relative to Opium.
The commencement of the operation of the Ordinance is arranged by Section 2 not to take place until the termina- tion of the present agreement with the Opium Farmer.
The definition of Opium Divan is enlarged as the existing definition was found to be too narrow for practical purposes. Provision is made for the appointment aud regulation of general warehouses for the storage of Raw Opium.
The penalties for various infringements of the law are somewhat increased. The other amendments are introduced to enable more effective control by the Superintendent of Imports and Exports over the movements of Raw Opium in order that fuller effect may be given to the decisions of the Hague Opium Conference and to the agreements between Great Britain and China.
The export of Persian Opium to any port other thau London or Formosa is prohibited.
The Bill also requires the Opium Farmer to give security for the good behaviour and integrity of his agents or servants and it empowers Revenue Officers to affect arrests without warrant in certain cases giving them some of the powers of the Police.
Joan A. BUCKNILL, Attorney lieneral,
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