§ MR. BIGGAR (Cavan, W.)asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether it is a fact that the late Princess of Tanjore adopted a son, with the consent of the Government of India; whether it is a fact that the rule laid down by the Indian Government regarding stipends to the Tanjore family, is that, upon the death of any stipendiary, the descendant or relation should receive a moiety of the stipend; whether it is a fact that the late Princess of Tanjore had a stipend of 3,000 rupees per month, and to state upon what ground the adopted son should not be allowed, a 1071 moiety of the stipend; whether it is a fact that Mr. Kavanagh memorialised the Indian Government for an allowance adequate to maintain and educate the adopted son of the late Princess of Tanjore; and, whether, at the present time, the adopted son is in an abject state of poverty?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)The Government of India did not consent to the adoption of a son by the late Princess of Tanjore. There is no such rule applicable to female members of the Tanjore family as that stated in the Question. The late Princess of Tanjore had a stipend for life of 3,000 rupees a month. There was no ground for continuing any part of it to the adopted son. Mr. Kavanagh did memorialize the Indian Government for an allowance for the adopted son. The Secretary of State has no information as to the present circumstances of the adopted son.