§ VISCOUNT JOCELYNI have a question to ask the right hon. Gentleman the President of the Board of Control, which affects the honour and credit of the Government of Bombay, and has reference to the removal of a public officer, Colonel Outram, which it appears from the public papers, as well as from private information, has lately taken place. It appears that Colonel Outram was lately appointed to the office of Resident at Baroda, and that an allegation having been made that corrupt practices were carried on between that Court and the Court of Bombay, an inquiry was entered into by Colonel Outram, who, with the zeal which he has always displayed, entered fully into the matter. It appears, also, that while the inquiry was going on, his zeal led him to make use of observations that did not suit exactly the opinions of the Government of Bombay, for which reason the gallant officer has been removed. What I wish to know is, whether Colonel Outram has been removed from the Residency of Baroda, and whether the right hon. Gentleman has received any information from India that can explain what took place? It is necessary for the credit of the Government and of the East India Company that a satisfactory explanation should be given.
§ MR. FOX MAULEI confess, Sir, I am somewhat surprised that a noble Lord, with the official experience of my noble 764 Friend, should, in putting a question, have uttered so strong an expression of opinion. In answer to the question of my noble Friend, I can only state, that very little information on the subject has reached the India Board at all. A despatch hag been received concerning the removal of Colonel Outram; but of the circumstances under which the removal took place, we are not at present in possession, and, therefore, I am not able to give my noble Friend the information he requires.