§ Order for Third Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."—(Mr. E. Stanhope.)
§ SIR DAVID WEDDERBURNsaid, that he had withdrawn his opposition on two previous occasions, and had allowed the Vote of Credit to pass without protest. But he could not, on this occasion, permit the Bill to pass without stating his opinion that a very much larger sum was asked for than he believed to be necessary. They had been informed that the highest authorities on financial questions at the India Office were of opinion that £5,000,000 was the lowest sum which could be asked for. But it should be remembered that those same authorities, upon whose judgment they were now asked to rely as to the amount of the loan, in the first instance, were those who recommended that £10,000,000 should be asked for. He did not think, therefore, that their opinion was of such very great value. As it had not been shown that £2,000,000 would not amply suffice, he should divide against the third reading of the Bill.
§ Question put.
§ The House divided:—Ayes 42; Noes 13: Majority 29.—(Div. List, No. 234.)
§ Bill read the third time, and passed.