HC Deb 25 July 1889 vol 338 cc1371-2

Order for Second Reading read.

SIR G. CAMPBELL

objected.

* THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Sir JOHN GORST,) Chatham

This is a very simple Bill, and it has for its object to enable the Secretary of State to effect a saving in the whole charge on the Indian Revenue. The Secretary of State and the Council of India are of opinion that the Council might be reduced, thereby effecting a considerable saving to the Indian taxpayer, and nothing but the opposition of the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy prevents that valuable reform.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

SIR G. CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy)

I may inform the hon. Gentleman that I am not the only Member from whom objection to this Bill comes. Under the guise of a small economy this Bill proposes to alter the constitution of the whole Government of India. It is impossible we could consent to so great a change being made without any discussion at all, and no discussion is possible on the stroke of midnight. The hon. Member for Northampton (Mr. Labouchere), who has had notice of opposition to this Bill down, has come to terms with Her Majesty's Government; but he let the cat out of the bag when he said he should be quite content to abolish the Council altogether. Well, that may be a good or a bad thing to do, but in either case it is a step that requires serious consideration. You may say that the alteration by one-third is not very serious, but you may reduce the Council to merely official members and a set of clerks.

It being midnight, the Debate stood adjourned.

Debate to be resumed upon Monday next.