§ SIR G. BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale)In the absence of the hon. Member for Central Hull, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India when the last valuations of the Bengal, Madras, and Bombay Military and Orphan Funds were made; and whether in accordance with the provisions of Clause 2 of the Act 29 Vic., c. 18, it is possible to increase the benefits now receivable by the subscribers and their families, and to whom the surplus of those funds will ultimately revert?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. H. H. FOWLER,) Wolverhampton, E.The last and only valuations of these funds were made in 1863 (Madras), 1869 (Bengal Military), 1870 (Bombay), and 1872 (Bengal Orphan). Since the passing of the Act quoted by the hon. Member and on a consideration of the said valuations, additional benefits were conferred on subscribers and their families as a final adjustment, and no further concessions can be made. There is no surplus, as the assets and liabilities 1400 were merged into the general revenues of the Government of India on the passing of the Act, since which time no separate accounts have been kept.