§ MR. O'KELLYasked the Under Secretary of State for India, How many Natives of India were on the Commission which found Mr. Bannerjea guilty of abuse of his judicial functions; and, whether the people of India have not, since his dismissal from the public service, conferred on Mr. Bannerjea important proofs of confidence and respect?
§ MR. J. K. CROSSSir, there were no Natives of India on the Commission which inquired into the charges against Mr. Bannerjea. In 1876 he was elected a Municipal Commissioner for the town of Calcutta; he has been a Commissioner ever since.
§ MR. O'DONNELLasked who were the Members of the Commission?
§ MR. J. K. CROSSTim Members were Mr. H. T. Prinsep, Bengal Civil Service; Mr. H. J. Reynolds, Bengal Civil Service; and Colonel Holroyd, Bengal Staff Corps.
§ MR. O'DONNELLasked the precise charge against Mr. Bannerjea?
§ MR. J. K. CROSSThe precise charge is long and complicated, and is difficult to state. I have already told the hon. Member that he may see a copy of the charges.
§ MR. O'DONNELLasked whether a portion of the charge was not that a Native who was concerned in a case was represented as having absconded; and whether it was not usual in India, as in this country, in such a case to pass it over, and let the consequences fall on the defaulting party; and, whether that was the only charge against Mr. Bannerjea.
§ MR. J. K. CROSSI have already told the hon. Gentleman that the documents show the charges in full. If the hon. Member wants to know any more, perhaps he will give further Notice.
§ MR. O'DONNELLgave Notice that he should ask further explicit Questions on this point, and that he should not be satisfied with general replies.