§ MR. BRADLAUGHI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India, with reference to his answer of the 12th July, 1889, whether the Secretary of State is now aware that, with respect to the seizure and confiscation of certain property and Trusts Funds belonging to the Temples of Gunnesh, Shiva, and Anpurua, and the Chattra at Benares, on the 19th January, 1858, an official inquiry was ordered by the Government of India on the 10th September, 1888; and that a Report, in reply, was forwarded to the Government of India, on the 14th February, 1889, by the Commissioners of Benares; whether that Report was favourable to the claims of the Trustee of the Temples, for the restitution of part of the property seized, the Commissioner suggesting that the property should be restored to the proper parties, and to the necessity for further investigation as to the other parts of the property; and whether such restoration has taken place, and such further investigation made; and, if not, if he can state the reasons?
§ *THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Sir J. GORST,) ChathamAn official inquiry was ordered, and two Reports dated the 14th February and the 13th April, 1889, were made. These Reports were unfavourable to the claim 1118 of the Trustees of the Temples, nor did the Commissioner suggest, as alleged, that property should be restored. No restoration has taken place, because the Government of India, after full consideration of the case, have come to the conclusion that the claim now preferred is not only unsupported by any evidence, but is also improbable and inconsistent with the claimants' own conduct.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHThere appears to have been some misconception in regard to the matter. Will the Secretary of State lay upon the Table the two Reports of February and April, 1889?
§ *SIR J. GORSTYes; their will be no objection to lay them on the Table if the hon. Member will move for them.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHI will move for them.