HC Deb 24 May 1887 vol 315 cc1028-30
MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether any Contract or Memorandum relating to the Burmah Ruby Mines has been signed by any person on behalf of the Government; and if so, the date of and parties to such Memorandum or Contract; whether the representatives of Mr. Streeter are the only persons connected with, the jewellery trade who had been permitted by the Government to visit the Ruby Mines prior to such Memorandum or Contract; whether other persons applied for like permission and on what grounds; and, whether such permission was refused by the Government, and on what grounds?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir John Gorst) (Chatham)

The terms under which the Ruby Mines are to be worked are still under the consideration of the Government; but a Memorandum has been signed on behalf of the Local Authorities in Burmah, indicating the terms which they would recommend the Government of India to offer, and this document has been communicated to Messrs. Streeter. It is not official, and does not bind the Government of India. Mr. Streeter went to the Ruby Mines with the Expeditionary Force in November last, and no expenditure was incurred for his protection. Other persons subsequently applied for leave to visit the mines, and were not permitted to do so, on the ground that it would involve either risking their lives, or throwing a considerable expense on the Revenues of India in providing for their protection.

MR. BRADLAUGH

asked, whether any document had been signed by Mr. Streeter; whether the hon. and learned Gentleman could state the names of the other persons who had applied for permission; and whether there was any record in writing on the subject?

SIR JOHN GORST

said, he had no information of any document having been signed by Mr. Streeter. With respect to the names of other persons, there was only one—which he had forgotten—and he had not the paper at hand.

MR. BRADLAUGH

asked whether the name was Ongar?

SIR JOHN GORST

said, he believed that was the name. There were no official documents.

MR. BRADLAUGH

asked, if the hon. and learned Gentleman would try to find out whether there were other names?

SIR JOHN GORST

replied, that he had no doubt that during the Recess the Government's knowledge of the Ruby Mines would be more complete, and he should be happy at a later period to answer any further Question.

MR. BRADLAUGH

said, he would put another Question after the Recess.