Mr. B. D'Israeliwished to know from the right hon. Baronet at the head of the Government, whether her Majesty's Government had advanced any sums of money to the East India Company, or whether they had sanctioned the East India Company in raising any?
§ Sir R. Peelsaid, that the question of the hon. Member was rather a complicated one. It would be better that it should be repeated to-morrow, when he would be prepared with an answer.
§ Lord John Russellagreed that it was very desirable that, when a question of such a nature was to be asked, some notice of it should be given.
Mr. D'Israelihad thought that the subject was so entirely within the department of the right hon. Baronet, that there could be no necessity for any notice of it. The question was one which was of considerable importance in reference to the Property-tax Bill, which was now about to be brought under discussion.
§ Sir R. Peelthought it was very im- 986 portant, that when an answer to a question was given, it should be afforded with the greatest accuracy possible. If he had received any intimation of the intention of the hon. Member to put this question to him, he would have been prepared to give him an answer; but when answers were given without due consideration, so much misconception was likely to arise, that, especially in cases like the present, involving considerations affecting the Government and this great company, it was better that an answer more particular than could be afforded on the moment should be given.