HC Deb 25 July 1887 vol 317 cc1881-2
MR. J. W. LOWTHER (Cumberland, Penrith)

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether the Indian Government pays the passage back to England of destitute Englishmen found in India who are desirous of returning home; and, whether the India Office will take any steps towards defraying the cost of sending home three Natives of the Punjaub, who, being quite destitute, are at present confined in the workhouse of St. George's (Hanover Square) Union, and are chargeable upon the ratepayers of the said parish?

THE UNDER SECRETARY or STATE (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)

It is not the general practice of the Government of India to defray, out of the Revenues of India the passages of destitute Englishmen. The Secretary of State does not consider that the relief of the three Natives of the Punjaub now in Marylebone Workhouse, or of destitute Indians in England generally, would be a proper application of the Revenues of India.