HC Deb 14 July 1879 vol 248 cc301-2
SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether, since this House has affirmed the need of a Department of Agriculture and Commerce in this Country where there is so much private enterprise, the Secretary of State for India will reconsider the propriety of abolishing the Department of Agriculture and Commerce established by the late Lord Mayo in India, where the people are so much less able to help themselves, and of reforming and improving that Department rather than abolish it?

MR. E. STANHOPE

Sir, at present we have hardly received any information on the subject mentioned by the hon. Member. We know that the Government of India has transferred to the Home Department the duties at present discharged in the Department of Revenue, Agriculture, and Commerce. I believe that it is expected, from the diminution of other duties, the Home Department will be fully able to undertake them.