HC Deb 15 June 1899 vol 72 cc1177-8
SIR WILLIAM WEDDERBURN (Banffshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India what are the conditions under which the franchise is exercised by the inhabitants of the French possessions in India, and how do these conditions compare with those affecting the inhabitants of British India.

LORD G. HA MILTON

I have no information as to the conditions under which the franchise is exercised by the inhabitants of the French possessions in India, the size and nature of which are such that any comparison of the kind suggested in the question would be altogether misleading.

SIR WM. WEDDERBURN

Does the noble Lord think the franchise cannot safely be entrusted to British Indians?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order. That is a matter of opinion, and does not arise out of the answer.