MR. J. H. ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, (1) if his attention has been called to the charges brought by the political agent at Jhalawar against the Maharaja Rana of that State, accompanied with a recommendation to the Viceroy for his deposition: if so, what action has been taken by the Government of India with regard to these charges. (2) Will His Highness have every opportunity afforded to him to defend himself publicly from these charges before any definite action is taken with regard to the recommendation for his deposition. (3) And, will the Secretary of State lay upon the Table of the House any Papers and Correspondence relating to this difficulty in Jhalawar?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONMy answer to the first part of the first question is in the affirmative, and to the second part that the reports of the political agent as to the oppression existing have been examined on the spot by the newly-appointed agent to the Govenor-General, whose report is under the consideration of Lord Elgin. The Maharaja Rana will be allowed every opportunity of submitting his reply to these charges. As soon as I have received the final decision of the Viceroy I will consider if Papers relating to this subject can be laid upon the Table of the House.