HC Deb 31 July 1876 vol 231 cc118-9
MR. FAWCETT

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether, considering that when the Indian Budget was introduced in Calcutta in March last, the loss to India by exchange on transactions with London was estimated at £2,332,000 for the current year, and that there has since been a considerable further fall in the rate of exchange, he is able to inform the House at what amount the loss to India is now estimated; and, further, to inquire whether he can state the aggregate amount which has been spent by the Government on State Railways in India up to the present time?

LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

Sir, the two parts of the Question of the hon. Gentleman refer to two very important items of Indian expenditure. Upon both these subjects I shall be ready to give full explanation and information upon the annual Indian Financial Statement. I must ask the hon. Gentleman, therefore, to allow me to postpone any statement until that date, when I shall be able not only to give figures, but also the explanations necessary to make the figures intelligible.