§ MR. O'DONNELLasked the Secretary of State for India, Whether it is proposed to take immediate steps for the repeal of the Vernacular Press Act, India; and whether it is proposed to take immediate steps for the repeal of the Licences Tax, India?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI cannot give' any other' answer to the hon. Member than this—that those two important questions will have the immediate consideration of Lord Ripon on his arrival in India. Until he has had an opportunity of consulting his Council and forming his own judgment on the matter, I think it would be premature for the Government to come to any conclusion as to the repeal either of the Licences Tax or the Vernacular Press Act. I can only say that the whole matter will receive consideration.