§ GENERAL SHUTEasked, the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether he has considered the case of Mr. Francis Lascelles, late of the Madras Civil Service; and, whether he is prepared to agree to the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into all the circumstances attending it?
§ MR. E. STANHOPESir, since my hon. and gallant Friend placed his Motion upon the Paper, I have looked carefully into this case. It appears that the prosecution of which Mr. Lascelles complains was held nearly 40 years ago. The facts have since been inquired into over and over again, and successive Secretaries of State have pronounced against entertaining Mr. Lascelles' claims, and have refused to re-open the 1529 question. I cannot, therefore, consent to the appointment of a Committee, or hold out the slightest hope to Mr. Lascelles of any re-consideration of his case. I cannot but think that if my hon. and gallant Friend were aware of all the facts, he would not be disposed to press the matter further.