HC Deb 10 March 1885 vol 295 cc626-7
SIR HERBERT MAXWELL

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether it is true, as stated in The Indian Statesman of February 3rd, that, whilst the average total incidence of rent (including the Government revenue demand) in Bengal is only two rupees per acre, the Government revenue demand alone in the North-Western Provinces amounts to three rupees per acre, in addition to a rental of three rupees more; and, whether it is true, as stated by the same paper, that Lord Dufferin has received "instructions from home" to pass the Bengal Tenancy Bill?

MR. J. K. CROSS

The average rate of Government revenue per acre in the North-Western Provinces is one rupee two annas three pies, as the hon. Member will see on reference to page 197 of the Indian Statistical Abstract No. 15. It is impossible to say what is the average rate per acre in Bengal. Neither the area cultivated nor the amount of rent realized from that area is known with accuracy; but detailed inquiries made in several districts in 1883 tend to show that the average rent rate considerably exceeds two rupees per acre. Her Majesty's Government would see with satisfaction the passing of a mea- sure on the subject of Bengal Tenancy during the present Session of the Legislative Council at Calcutta; but no instructions from home have been given to Lord Dufferin to pass the Bill.

SIR HERBERT MAXWELL

I will ask the hon. Gentleman, whether he can confirm or contradict the statement contained in the following telegram from a Native Member of the Viceroy's Council:— Motion for re-publication of Bill in the vernacular, and delay for three weeks not carried. Opposed on the ground that Executive Council wished to go to Simla. If delay allowed Bill would have to be discussed; and, whether this Bill is being pressed forward with such urgency in consequence of the Viceroy and Council feeling it convenient to go to a cooler climate?

MR. J. K. CROSS

The hon. Member asks me a Question on a subject of which I am ignorant. If he will give me Notice of the Question, and allow me time in which to receive a reply from India, I shall be able to answer him.

SIR HERBERT MAXWELL

In consequence of the extreme urgency of this question—the Bill being within three days of being passed—I beg to give Notice that before proceeding with Public Business, I shall ask leave to discuss the matter on a Motion for the Adjournment of the House.