§ COLONEL SYKESsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether he will lay upon the Table a Return of all applications from Pensioners for the commutation of their pensions payable from the Revenues of India in England since the passing of the India Act in August 1868; the cases of refusal and the reasons for refusal; and, the names of persons who, having had their pensions commuted, afterwards asked for a compassionate allowance?
MR. GRANT DUFFSir, I think that unless my hon. and gallant Friend could show that some great public benefit was likely to arise from giving the Return for which he asks, it would be most undesirable to give it. It would not be easy to devise a Return more painful to the feelings of individuals, nor one, so far as I can see, less useful to the public. I must, therefore, decline to give it.