§ MR. MUNDELLAasked the Under Secretary of State for India, If it is true, as stated in the "Times" telegram of yesterday, dated Calcutta, December 15th, that, having regard to the cost of the war in Afghanistan, the Bombay Government have issued an order directing
that, in view of the immediate importance of avoiding or deferring expenditure where it is possible till next year, no new works are to be commenced, and all allotments provided for them are cancelled; all works in progress are to be suspended, except in cases of urgent necessity; nor are any repairs to be effected beyond such as are absolutely essential, repairs of that description having, moreover, to be reduced to a minimum. No further purchases of tools or plant are to be made, and all applications for grants for public works are to be retained until such time as the state of the finances will permit;and, if it is true, will he lay such Order upon the Table of the House?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEWe have no information on the subject beyond that contained in the telegram in The Times. I think it most probable that the Government of Bombay is taking steps to restrict expenditure as much as can reasonably be done. The hon. Member assumes that it is done with regard to the war in Afghanistan; but I find no such statement in the telegram.