SIR GEORGE LEWISsaid, he rose to move a Resolution, to the effect that it was not competent to the Secretary of State for India to send orders and instructions through the Secret Department to the Governments and Presidencies in India on any subject not being a matter concerning the levying war, or making peace, or treating or negotiating with any of the Native Princes or States in India. He would first say a few words in explanation of the origin and functions of the Secret Committee of the East India Company, and its relations to the Board of Control and to the Governor General and the Governors of Presidencies, previous to the recent change in the Government of India, preparatory to calling attention to the despatch of the noble Lord the Secretary of State for India of the 9th of December last. This latter despatch did not purport to have been submitted to the Council, and from subsequent explanation it appeared to have been transmitted by a process which he would designate the Secret Department.
§ Notice taken, that Forty Members were not present; House counted, and Forty Members not being present,
§ The House was adjourned at a quarter after Seven o'clock.