HC Deb 19 February 1886 vol 302 cc709-10
SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether it is true, as stated by The Globe newspaper on the 9th instant, and by The Times on the 10th, that certain extensive changes in the constitution of the branches of the Indian Civil Administration will shortly be brought under consideration; whether it is intended that such changes will, previous to the necessary legislation or Orders, be submitted to a Select Committee of this House; and, whether Her Majesty's Government intend to propose a Committee upon Indian Administration during the present Session?

MR, HUNTER

asked, Whether it was the intention of the Government to appoint a Committee of Inquiry into the operation of the Government of India Act, 1858?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir UGHTRED KAY-SHUTTLE-WORTH),

in reply, said, he was not aware of any intention to bring such changes under consideration as those referred to by the right hon. Baronet. In reply to the last paragraph of the Question, he had to state that Her Majesty's Government intended to propose to both Houses of Parliament the appointment of a Joint Committee of Inquiry. Perhaps the hon. Member for North Aberdeen (Dr. Hunter) would allow him to add, in answer to his Question, that the operation of the Government of India Act, 1858, would, of course, come under the consideration of the Committee,