§ MR. BRADLAUGHI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India, with regard to the statement of the Secretary of State, in his Letter, No. 937, dated 25th May 1889, to the Government of India, that he had received 66 memorials, letters, &c., from associations, public meetings, and the like, in the Lower Provinces of Bengal, praying for alterations in the Constitution, and to his direction that "the memorialists be informed that their representations will receive the careful attention of the Secretary of State," whether he is now in a position to state his decisions on such memorials?
SIR J. GORSTI am not able to make any statement. The Constitution of India is still under consideration.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHBut it has been, under consideration since the early part of 1887.
SIR J. GORSTThe hon. Gentleman, must be aware that the Constitution of India can only be altered by Act of Parliament; and when there is a prospect of passing it through Parliament the Secretary of State will embody his views in a Bill.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHDoes the hon. Gentleman intend to convey by that answer, that the Secretary of State has some legislation in contemplation?
SIR J. GORSTNo, Sir; the Secretary of State has no legislation in contemplation. In the present state of public business it Would be hopeless to expect to pass a measure through Parliament.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHHas that been the state of affairs since 1887?