§ SIR ROPER LETHBRIDGE (Kensington, N.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government, having taken for other purposes the evening allotted by the fortune of the Ballot to the discussion of a proposal for a return to the ancient freedom of Debate on the Indian Budget, will propose some amendment of the procedure of the House in this respect?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover SquareMy right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Treasury has asked me to answer this question. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to recommend the House to make any change in its Rules in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend. The effect of his proposal might be to postpone the statement of Indian finance and the discussion on the most important questions of Revenue and Expenditure for the consideration of some local or personal matter. Hon. Gentlemen who take an interest in India have opportunities, in common with other hon. Members, to put Motions on the Paper, and there are other occasions of Bills affecting India on which discussions may arise.
§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)I hope the right hon. Gentleman will remember that in connection with other questions there is always an opportunity of raising a discussion when we are asked to vote money. But in the case of India none of the salaries are voted here.
§ MR. GOSCHENNo doubt the Indian salaries are not voted by this House in the same way as other salaries are; but I am afraid that any new course of procedure would only be likely to land us in difficulty.