§ MR. ONSLOWasked the First Lord of the Treasury, If there is any truth in the report that the Viceroy of India in Council proposes to modify what is commonly known as "Mr. Ilbert's Bill;" and, if so, if he would state the nature of the modification?
MR. GLADSTONESir, we have had no information of any kind in the direction indicated by the hon. Member's Question. In fact, no communication on the subject has been received from the Viceroy since the despatch on the 13th of February, which despatch was 1162 included in the Papers laid on the Table.
§ MR. ONSLOWasked whether Her Majesty's Government had suggested any modifications?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I am not aware of our having suggested any modifications. I think our course is to receive any propositions which the Viceroy may make; but I have no reason to suppose that it is intended to make any.