§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If the Imperial Grant to the Indian Government in aid of the Afghan War was sanctioned in 1880–81 by Parliament on the distinct understanding that it was to consist of a remission of a debt of £2,000,000 to India, and six annual payments of £500,000 from 1880–81 to 1885–6; and, why this arrangement is evaded by making a double payment of £1,000,000 in the present financial year, under the form of a Supplementary Estimate, presented during the last month of the financial year?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)Sir, in reply to the noble Lord, I have to remind him that the Vote to which he refers is to be taken this evening, and I will then explain the reasons for asking it.