CO129-440 - Others & Individuals - 1916 — Page 317

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the law, so that the contraband trade may be stopped in its early stages. They suggest that a Bill should be prepared, either upon the information already obtained, or after further enquiry, but certainly at the earliest possible date, for the purpose of regulating the wholesale trade in this country. What the provisions of that Bill should be is a matter for the decision of His Majesty's Government and its advisers. Messrs. Alfred Holt & Company would however suggest that no Bill can be adequate which does not provide for the following matters;----

1. The registration of all opium imported into the United Kingdom, so that the quantity and situation of all for the time being in this country may be known to the Customs officers and Police.

2. The prohibition of all wholesale selling of opium, except to properly qualified chemists, medical practitioners, and other persons or bodies who may be specially licensed to purchase it- e.g., a University.

3. The prohibition of all exports of opium except under special license.

4. The authorising of search for the seizure of all opium in the hands of unauthorised

persons.

5. The imposition of heavy penalties upon wholesale dealers who violate any of the pro- visions of the Bill.

Such restrictions on wholesale dealing would place no impediment in the way of legitimate trade, while they would reader exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, the illegitimate trade, which is no less detrimental to the honour of the State which permits it, than to the health and character of the individuals who at once enjoy and suffer from it.

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