asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that there has been a serious increase in the habit of toddy drinking amongst certain sections of the Indian community in Malaya, and that Indian public opinion has expressed itself strongly in this matter and representations have been made to the authorities; and what steps are being taken to check the growth of this evil?

My Noble Friend has seen the criticism to this effect in the last Report of the Agent of the Government of Indian in Malaya. The High Commissioner for the Malay States will be asked for a report on the matter.