HC Deb 12 July 1887 vol 317 cc523-5
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)

I will, Sir, take the opportunity of amplifying an explanation which I gave to the hon. Member for Northampton (Mr. Bradlaugh) a few nights ago on the subject of the Ruby Mines in Burmah. I have since received a telegram from the Viceroy of India to the following effect:— I find that the statement that Streeter's people are not at work on the mines requires qualification, for Crosthwaite—Chief Commissioner in Burmah—has just informed us that he had authorized his Deputy Commissioner to permit persons who wished to dig for rubies to do so, under the old system, and without use of machinery, as provisional means of enhancing revenue, until final decision can be arrived at in regard to the disposition of the mines, and that a written permit had been issued to Streeter's son, as it might have been to any other similar applicant. Crosthwaite adds that he considers this an ordinary act of the local executive, and not of sufficient importance to be reported to the Government of India. It is quite a distinct matter from leasing of Crown monopoly right, on which action is suspended pending your decision.

MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)

In consequence of the statement of the hon. Gentleman, which he would not call an amplification, but rather a contradiction of the previous answer, asked on what conditions the permission to Messrs. Streeter had been granted; at what date the permit was issued; how it was possible that Streeters were working the mine if it were true, as previously stated, that no contract whatever had yet been entered into with reference to the working of the mines; and how the now admitted fact that the representatives of Streeters were actually at work was consistent with the former denial?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Member must put Notice of that Question on the Paper in the usual way.

MR. BRADLAUGH

It is in consequence of the communication from the hon. Gentleman—

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give Notice of the Question.

MR. BRADLAUGH

said, that he would then ask the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Treasury, whether he would, in view of the absolutely contradictory answers given during the last 12 months from time to time with reference to the Burmah Ruby Mines, take care that the Papers dating back to February, 1886, were laid on the Table forthwith, so that the House might form its own opinion on the whole case.

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

said, there would be no delay in laying the Papers on the Table as soon as the decision of the Secretary of State had been taken on the question of which he had only now been informed.

MR. BRADLAUGH

Then I will put the Question on the Paper for Friday?