§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELLasked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether all the provincial Reports on the Native Judicature Bill have now reached Simla; and, when their purport will be made known?
§ MR. J. K. CROSSSir, the Reports mentioned in the Question of the hon. Baronet had not all reached Simla on the 22nd of July. When complete, they will be forwarded without delay. Their purport will be made known to Parliament as soon as possible after their reaching the India Office.
§ MR. E. STANHOPEasked, whether the hon. Gentleman would take care that Parliament should have some information as to the contents of these Reports before the Prorogation?
§ MR. J. K. CROSS, in reply, said, it might not be possible to lay the Reports on the Table before Parliament separated; that would entirely depend upon when they came home. He would, however, endeavour to obtain them in time.
§ MR. E. STANHOPEsaid, the hon. Gentleman must be aware that some of the Reports were dated as early as May, and it was perfectly possible for some of them to have been sent home at once.
§ MR. J. K. CROSS, in reply, said, he thought that the understanding was that they should be sent home as soon 521 as they were complete. He could assure the hon. Gentleman that as soon as that happened they would be sent.
§ MR. E. STANHOPEsaid, there was no understanding of that kind with the House. He and his hon. Friends asked the Government to give an undertaking that they should be circulated before the end of the Session; and he understood the Government to give an undertaking to that effect.
§ MR. J. K. CROSS, in reply, said, he did not think the Government had given an undertaking to that effect. He would take care that the purport of the Reports should be known as soon as possible.