§ MR. ONSLOWasked the Secretary of State for India, Whether Her Majesty's Government still adhere to the statement made by him that Her Majesty's Government had determined to call upon the Government of India to pay the total expenses of Her own share of the operations in Egypt; whether he is now in a position to state if Papers, commencing from the first intimation that Indian troops might be required, will be 629 included among those already promised; and, if so, how soon they may be expected; and, if he can now state approximately the total cost incurred by the Government of India for the Contingent sent by that Government?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONI have already stated to the House what was the approximate Estimate of the Government of India as to the cost incurred by the Expedition to Egypt. Until we know how much of that cost will possibly be recouped by the return of stores and animals, it will be impossible to give any other Estimate than that which has been already furnished to the House. I think I stated last week that I had heard from the Government of India that they expected, in a very few days, to be able to send further information upon that point. Although I have reminded them of this promise on their part, I have not yet received any further information; and it is obvious that, as the Expedition is just on the point of returning, it would not be desirable to press for further information until the Indian Government are in a position to give it in an accurate form. Until that information is received, it will be impossible for us to come to any conclusion as to the final Vote which will be required. I am, therefore, unable to add anything to the answer I gave to the hon. Member's Question last week.
§ MR. ONSLOWsaid, some Papers connected with the Expedition had already been presented. Would the noble Marquess say when the remainder would be in the hands of hon. Members?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe Papers will be given as fully as possible. Certain portions consist of telegraphic correspondence, and as some of the telegrams are secret ones, these cannot be given. However, the Papers that will be presented will give the House as full an idea as possible of what has taken place.