§ MR. WHITWELLasked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether, 1737 as the Indian Budget accounts are now printed, and appear to show an expenditure of two millions over receipts, he can name a day for the discussion of this important Budget?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONSir, I am afraid that the hon. Member has confused three separate years' accounts. The Budget Estimate to be presented will be for 1875–6, and in that Estimate there will be a surplus of revenue over ordinary expenditure of upwards of £500,000. It is perfectly true that upon the accounts of the two preceding years, 1873–4 and 1874–5, which are not Budget accounts, but actual and regular accounts, there is a deficit of upwards of £2,000,000 over the ordinary revenue. But last year that deficit was estimated at upwards of £3,500,000. We are therefore £1,500,000 better off than we anticipated. As I am unable to control Public Business, it is impossible to fix definitely a day at present for the Indian Financial Statement, but as soon as the progress of other Government measures permits a day to be fixed upon I shall be glad to give that information so that hon. Gentlemen who take an interest in the matter may make their arrangements accordingly.