HC Deb 20 February 1890 vol 341 c736
MR. BRADLAUGH

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether any replies have yet been received from the Government of India to the telegraphic inquiries as to the health of the troops engaged in the Chin-Lushai Expedition?

SIR J. GORST

No, Sir; no reply has yet been received.

MR. BRADLAUGH

On the very first day of the Session the right hon. Gentleman promised to telegraph for information. Are not nine days an unusual period to wait for a reply from Calcutta?

SIR J. GORST

It would not be very difficult to get a reply from Calcutta, but the hon. Member must recollect that the troops engaged in the Chin-Lushai Expedition are a long way from Calcutta, and some time must necessarily elapse in receiving a reply to any communication.