THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERgave notice that on Thursday next in Committee of Supply he would move the Estimates for the expenses of the war with Persia and of the hostilities with China.
§ SIR JAMES GRAHAMsaid, he wished to ask the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, before moving in Committee of Supply for a Vote of £500,000 for the Persian Expedition, he would lay on the Table of the House the Estimate of the East India Company, presented to the Government last February, 1373 and containing their rough calculation of the entire cost of the Persian war to December next; and also the Correspondence which had taken place between the East India Company and Her Majesty's Government on the subject?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, that the correspondence relative to the Estimate had already been laid on the Table. That Estimate was made when the war was still unfinished, and when the total amount of the expense was uncertain. He should be in a condition on Thursday to lay on the table the Estimate of the East India Company with respect to the total expense of the war. He thought that would be more satisfactory than to communicate one that had been formed on imperfect knowledge.
§ SIR JAMES GRAHAMsaid, he wished to know whether the right hon. Baronet would lay the Estimate referred to on the table before the discussion?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, he should object to lay on the table the first Estimate of the East India Company as to what the expense would probably be. He would lay on the table the Estimate which he meant to move.
§ SIR JAMES GRAHAMWhen will that Estimate be laid on the Table?