HC Deb 26 April 1883 vol 278 c1156
MR. CARBUTT

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether, considering that Sir Edward Clarke's Minute, on the Re-organization of the Public Works Department, of June, 1877, is in the hands of nearly all officials in India, and also in a public library in London, he will lay a Copy of it upon the Table?

MR. J. K. CROSS

It cannot be admitted, Sir, as a reason for laying a Paper on the Table of the House, that it has already been published, through what certainly seems to be some breach of confidence. If Sir Edward Clarke's Minute were officially published, it would have to be accompanied by other Minutes on the re-organization of the Indian Public Works Department, the production of which is not desirable, as the subject is still under consideration.