§ MR. COURTNEY (for Mr. FAWCETT)asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether, as he stated that the Indian Budget would be brought forward at an earlier period than usual, he is now able to name the day when it will be brought forward; and, if it will be necessary during the present Session for the Government to apply to Parliament for power to raise money to meet the deficiency which is expected to arise in India during the current financial year?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTON,in reply, said, the Indian Government estimated that the Famine in Madras and Bombay would cost upwards of £5,000,000, and they further stated ill their Financial Statement that the Indian Money Market would not be ready to supply them with the amount necessary to meet that expenditure. He was afraid, therefore, that Her Majesty's Government would have to come to Parliament to ask for power to raise a certain portion of that sum. He thought it would be more for the convenience of the House if, before any such application was made, the annual Financial Statement of India was made to the House; therefore, on the Motion for going into Committee, he would make that Statement. He could not say at present what day would be selected; but he hoped it would be within the next fortnight, or, at all events, within the present month.