§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether he can now give the House any information as to the Ruby Mines in Burmah; whether any contract or arrangement has been made, or is in the course of being made, with any, and what, person or persons, and on what conditions; and, whether more than one person or firm has been permitted to inspect the mines, with the view to any contract?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)No further information has been received since the date of my last answer to the hon. Member on the 17th of February, and I am not aware that any contract has been, or is being, made. There is no objection to the inspection of the mines by any persons interested; but I believe that the representatives of 1410 no firm other than that of Messrs Streeter have visited the mines.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHasked whether there was any truth in the statement published in the Press, that Messrs. Streeter had entered into such a contract?
§ SIR JOHN GORSTsaid, he was not able to say. There were so many rumours and statements in newspapers that were found to be untrue that he should advise hon. Members to suspend their judgment for the present.