§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether it is a fact that the late Viceroy and the present Viceroy of India have, in Minutes, severally addressed to the Secretary of State, expressed opinions in favour of the introduction of the elective principle in any reform of the Indian Councils; and, if so, whether he will lay such Minutes upon the Table of the House?
§ *THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Sir J. GORST,) ChathamThe Papers asked for in the question are confidential communications which have 1412 been made by the Viceroys of India to the Secretary of State. It has already been stated in both Houses of Parliament that these Papers cannot be given, with due regard to the interests of the Public Service. Publication of such documents would put a stop to those confidential relations between the Secretary of State and the Viceroy of India, which it is essential to maintain. As the Papers cannot be produced, I cannot answer the inquiry as to the nature of their contents.