§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Dublin Co., S.)asked the Under Secretary of State for India, If it is owing to the military operations in Burmah that there is no surplus for 1887–8 out of which the Famine Grant can be paid; and, if there is any likelihood, if the occupation 1685 of Burmah continues, of there being a surplus available for the Famine Grant in 1888–9?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)It is not correct to say that it is owing to the military operations in Burin all that there is no surplus in 1887–8 out of which the Famine Grant can be paid. It is impossible, at present, to say whether there is likely to be a surplus available for the Famine Grant in 1888–9.