§ SIR J. FERGUSSON (Manchester, N.E.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether a decision has been come to by the Secretary of State in Council in regard to the sea transport of troops to and from India: and whether he will lay upon the Table the Correspondence with the Government of India on the subject.?
§ *THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. GEORGE RUSSELL, North Beds.)The Admiralty have made certain proposals which have been referred to the Government of India for their Report, which is expected early in March. No decision has been arrived at. As soon as the Correspondence is complete the Secretary of State will consider whether there is any objection to its being presented to Parliament.
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONWill the House have an opportunity of seeing the Correspondence before a final determination is arrived at?
§ MR. GEORGE RUSSELLNo, I should think the determination is likely to be taken before; the Correspondence is laid.
*MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)Is it not a fact that the system in vogue up to the present time of conveying the troops by State transport has proved cheaper than private transport?
§ MR. GEORGE RUSSELLI should like to have notice of that question.