HC Deb 21 December 1893 vol 20 cc96-7
MR. CHAPLIN (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Secretary of State for India, in refusing to take less than a minimum price for Indian Council bills, has been acting upon the advice of the Indian Government or upon his own responsibility?

* MR. GEORGE RUSSELL

The responsibility for this and for any action that may be taken in respect of Council bills necessarily rests with the Secretary of State in Council, but his action in not selling bills below a minimum was in accordance with the opinion of the Government of India.

SIR J. GORST (Cambridge University)

May I ask whether there has been any correspondence with the Government of India on the subject, and whether it can be laid on the Table?

MR. GEORGE RUSSELL

There has been correspondence, but I cannot say whether it can be laid without consulting the Secretary of State.