HC Deb 25 February 1886 vol 302 cc1218-9
SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, If the Council of India were consulted either by the late or the present Secretary of State on the question of the annexation of Upper Burmah, and if they were agreed in advising that the interests of India demanded the annexation of that Country; or, if not, who were the advisers of the late Secretary of State who expressed that opinion?

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

The orders on the subject to which the hon. Member refers were given by the late Secretary of State under the special powers by which the Secretary of State can deal with certain questions without submitting them to the Council. With regard to any other advisers, I must refer him to the late Secretary of State.

SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL

asked if they were to understand that the Council of India had not been consulted by either the late or the present Indian Secretary?

SIR UGHTRED KAY-SHUTTLE-WORTH

said, he had already answered the Question in regard to the late Secretary of State. As to the present Secretary of State, he reminded the hon. Gentleman that the annexation took place before he came into Office.