§ MR. FAWCETTasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, When he proposes to introduce a Bill to give effect to the proposal to advance £2,000,000 to India, free of interest; and, whether he can inform the House on what day the India Budget will be considered?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, the most convenient course, I think, will be that we should take the Indian Budget—the statement of the condition of Indian finance—first, and then follow it with the proposal for an advance from this country to India. I propose to take Thursday, the 22nd instant, as the day for the discussion of Indian finance; and I believe the most convenient course will be that my hon. Friend the Under Secretary of State should move on that day the Indian Loan Bill—a Bill for raising a loan for the Indian Government, and probably on that Motion may come the discussion of the financial position of India. After that I should propose to make a loan from this country to India.
§ MR. FAWCETTsaid, that already one or two Notices had been given on the Indian Budget with regard to the necessity of enforcing greater economy in Indian expenditure; and if the bringing forward of these Motions would have the effect of opposing the Loan Bill, it would place many hon. Members in a difficulty, because many who would vote for the exercise of greater economy might not like to vote against the Loan Bill.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, he would try, in the meantime, to arrange the most convenient way of bringing forward this question; but he could not name an earlier day than the 22nd.