HC Deb 22 February 1898 vol 53 cc1371-2
MR. PICKERSGILL

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether the Viceroy proposes to declare his assent to the Penal Code Amendment Bill, or to reserve the same for the signification of the pleasure of Her Majesty thereon, and, in the latter event, as the Penal Code Amendment Bill and the Criminal Procedure Code Bill are very intimately correlated, will he defer tendering advice to Her Majesty respecting the former Bill until after the latter Bill has been disposed of by the Legislative Council of the Viceroy?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA

The Viceroy has not communicated to me his intention with regard to the Bills mentioned in the question, but I have no doubt he will follow the usual course by declaring his assent to them. If he does so, it will still be within the power of the Crown to disallow either or both Measures; and, as I have already said in this House, I am quite prepared to be held responsible for any advice which I may think fit to give.