§ MR. MACNEILLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, whether the property of the Natus, both real and personal, which is of very considerable value, has been attached by the Government, and the only provision made for their support and maintenance has been an allowance of Rs. 250 per month in one case, and Rs. 200 per month in the other; whether, under the provisions of the Regulations of 1827, under which the Natu brothers were arrested, the seizure of personal property is not authorised; and whether the Government will make any reparation to the brothers Natu for acting in excess of the powers conferred upon them by this Regulation?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord G. HAMILTON,) Middlesex, EalingI will answer this question and No. 26 at the same time.
§ MR. MACNEILLNo, no. I must ask the noble Lord to answer them step by step and one by one. It is my experience that when two questions are answered together, neither the one nor the other is properly replied to.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIAThe provision made for the elder Natu during his retention is Rs. 300 a month, and for the younger Rs. 200 a month. The whole revenue derived from their immovable property 466 is applied to the maintenance of the several members of the Natu families. The attachment of personal property is not authorised by the Regulation cited. Such movable property as was inadvertently attached by the local officers has been or is being restored, and no question of reparation has yet arisen.