§ MR. RICHARD (Merthyr Tydvil)asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether his attention has been called to the following statement of The Times correspondent at Mandalay, which appeared in that paper on 17th March:—
The crown jewels and the valuable rubies found in the Palace are to be sent to London to be sold there. The best furniture of the Palace will go to the Government House at Simla;whether this statement is correct; and, if so, by whose authority this was done; 751 and, whether it meets the approval of the Government at Home?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir UGHTRED KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH) (Lancashire, Clitheroe)The Viceroy reported that a small amount of jewellery and a considerable number of precious stones sewn on umbrellas and dresses were found in the Mandalay Palace, and that it was his intention to sell them, under direction of the Prize Committee, for the benefit of the Government, except a few which would be reserved for the Queen. It has since been determined to send them all for examination before they are sold. With regard to the furniture, the Viceroy first proposed, as a matter of economy, to transfer some of it to Simla; but I believe that it has lately been determined to sell it on the spot. This will meet with the Secretary of State's approval.