SIR MINTO FARQUHARI wish to ask the Secretary of State for India when the Indian medals are to be issued? and whether, as information has been received of the amount of Lucknow prize-money, he will state what that amount is? and also whether any steps have been taken for the payment of the batta or prize-money to the troops and seamen engaged in the battles of Bushire and Kooshab, in Persia?
§ SIR CHARLES WOODsaid, that the distribution of Indian medals had already 508 begun. Each man's name had to be engraved on his medal, and considerable delay had taken place from waiting for the nominal roll from India. A delay had also taken place in consequence of the necessity for considering whether different clasps should be issued for different services. The question as regarded the relief and capture of Lucknow had only recently been decided in the affirmative, and the distribution was now going on. With regard to the Lucknow prize-money, the whole amount was £143,000; and, having received it, measures are now in progress for obtaining Her Majesty's declaration of prize, which is a necessary preliminary to any steps being taken to distribute it in proper proportions to those who were entitled to receive it. With respect to the last question, the Government received about a month ago a recommendation from the Governor-General of India that batta should be given to the forces employed in the Persian expedition. According to the arrangement made at the time with regard to this expedition, half of the cost was payable from Indian revenue and half by this country. On receiving that recommendation from the Governor-General the necessary application had been made to the Treasury to pay their half of the amount. To that application no answer has yet been received.