§ MR. PAUL (Edinburgh, S.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether the Bengal Jury Commission has power to report that the notification of Sir Charles Elliott, restricting the right to trial by jury, be rescinded; and whether, if the Commission should so report, the notification will be rescinded accordingly?
THE UNDER SECRETARY or STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. GEORGE RUSSELL,) North Beds.The Commission will have power to deal with the whole question, including, of course, the notification to which my hon. Friend refers. The Secretary of State cannot make any statement as to the action which will be taken on the Report until it has been received and considered.
§ MR. PAULMay I make an appeal to the Secretary of State through the Under Secretary? Considering the enormous gravity of the issue involved— [Cries of "Order!"]
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder! The hon. Member is not putting a question.
§ MR. PAULI was about to lay the foundation for one. Will the Secretary of State consider the desirability to coming to an immediate decision on this question, which is exciting such intense interest and agitation throughout Bengal?
MR. GEORGE RUSSELLIt is obvious the Secretary of State must see the Report before he can come to a decision upon it.