HC Deb 28 July 1898 vol 63 cc305-6
MR. VICARY GIBBS (Herts., St. Albans)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is able to say on what day he will make his financial statement?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA

I have already made the annual financial statement and I do not propose to make a second, but I propose to set up a committee upon Indian accounts, which will enable Members of the House to call attention to questions connected with Indian administration in which they are interested.

MR. VICARY GIBBS

On what day?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA

I presume it will be after the Appropriation Bill has been introduced.

MR. H. ROBERTS

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he will state on what date the Indian Budget will be taken?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

In all probability it will be taken on the same day as the Committee stage of the Appropriation Bill. I cannot make an absolute pledge on the subject, but that has been the usual custom, and that custom will be followed probably in the present year.

MR. H. ROBERTS

Then do I gather it will not be taken next week?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

It cannot be taken next week.