CEYLON.
Reports decision of Executive Council to absolutely prohibit the importation of gauja and bhang and to double the duty on opium: every effort will be made to check the improper use of the latter.
Approves of proposal to prohibit the importation of bhang and ganga, and to double the duty on opium the effect of allowing the latter to be smoked in licensed shops should be carefully watched and the practice of allowing children to purchase opíum prohibited
73
74
SIR,
CORRESPONDENCE
ON THE SUBJECT OF THE
CONSUMPTION OF BHANG, GANJA, AND OPIUM IN
CEYLON.
No. 1.
The MARQUESS OF RIPON to the OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE
GOVERNMENT. [Answered by Nos. 4 and 6.]
Downing Street, July 27, 1993. I HAVE the honour to forward, for your consideration and report, copy of a question asked by Mr. C. E. Schwann, M.P., on the 17th instant, together with a copy of the answer given by Mr. Buxton, on the subject of the sale and consumption of opium and bhang in Colombo.
2. My attention has also been drawn to articles on this subject in the "Ceylon Observer" (overland edition) of the 13th of June last, and I shall be glad to receive a report from you on the question of the possibility of restricting the importation and consumption of these drugs in Ceylon.
3. You are probably aware that the Indian Government decided in 1891 to gradually put an end to the licences for the consumption of opium on the premises throughout British India (see paragraph 29 of the Despatch from the Government of India, dated 14th October 1891, at page 14 of the enclosed Parliamentary Paper [C.-6562]), and i request you to consider, among other aspects of the question, the advisability of following the example of India in this respect.
I have, &c.
RIPON.
Enclosure in No. 1.
Mr. Schwann asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is aware that the sale and consumption of opium and bhang in Colombo (Ceylon) has doubled in the last four years, as proved by the receipts of the Colombo municipality. And, whether the Secretary of State for the Colonies will take measures to prevent either licences for the use or the importation of these drugs into Ceylon, except for atriotly medicinal purposes.
In reply to Mr. Schwann Mr. Sydney Buxton said :—
Since 1889 licences for the retail sale of opium and bhang in Colombo have been annually sold by auction instead of being given as previously for a fixed fee; but the number of licences has not been increased. It is true that the receipts from these licences have increased from Rs. 14,000 in 1889 to Rs. 26,600 in 1892, but the consumption of opium, as shown by the imports, has only increased about 10 per cent. The Secretary of State will call for a report on the subject from the Ceylon Government, but he will await the report of the Commission about to be appointed to inquire into the opium question as it affects India, before deciding whether any steps, and if so, what steps, should be taken to restrict the consumption in Ceylon.
U 89800,
A
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
C.O. 882
5 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
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