MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the prohibition by the Government of India Act, 1858, of the application of the revenues of India to defray the expenses of any military operation carried on beyond the external frontiers of India, without the consent of both Houses of Parliament, he will explain why the revenues of India have been applied to defray the expenses of military operations in Tibet without such consent having been obtained; and when do His Majesty's Government intend to ask for that consent.
§ MR. BRODRICKI informed the hon. Member on the 4th February† that no military operations have been undertaken in connection with the Mission. The fact that an escort accompanies the Mission does not necessitate any action under Section 55 of the Government of India Act of 1858.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in to-day's newspapers it is stated that fighting is imminent? Will not that be a military operation?
§ [No answer was returned.]