§ MR. WHALLEYasked the Under Secretary of State for India, with reference to a statement appearing in an Indian newspaper called "The Englishman," that a grant made by the Lieutenant Governor of the North West Provinces of 12,000 rupees towards the construction of a Roman Catholic Cathedral having been brought to the notice of the Viceroy, Whether it is the fact that 12,000 rupees has been granted by the Lieutenant Governor of the North West Provinces towards the construction of a Roman Catholic Cathedral; and, if so, whether such grant has been submitted for the approval of the Government, or in any case is an appropriation of public money approved of by Her Majesty's Government? The hon. Member expressed his disappointment that since he had given Notice of it, the Question had been somewhat curtailed, and he explained that the omitted portion stated that the Viceroy had administered to an official and formal protest made to him on this subject a most scathing rebuke. ["Order!"]
§ MR. SPEAKERpointed out that the hon. Member was now endeavouring to include the very point which had already been excluded from the Question.
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONWe have no information upon this subject except what we have derived from Indian newspapers. I think it probable that the statement is correct, inasmuch as the Indian Government has always admitted its obligation, under certain conditions, to contribute towards the construction and repair of places of worship frequented by the Military and Civil Services.
§ MR. WHALLEYthen asked the noble Lord, Whether he had received any communication from the Viceroy expressing 1890 indignation and rebuke towards certain Protestant parties who had made representations to him?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONWe have no Papers.