§ MR. NORMAN (Wolverhampton, S.)I beg to ask the Home Secretary, whether his attention has been called to the announcement that some bones of British officers and men, killed while making a stand during the Afghan War of 1842, will be sold by auction at a London saleroom tomorrow; and whether he has power to prevent this indecent sale.
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. RITCHIE,) CroydonEven assuming that these relics are genuine, which, I think, is a somewhat large assumption to make, I am advised that no breach of the law has been, or will be, committed if they are sold, and that, therefore, it is a matter in which I have no power of interference. But I may say that, if such a sale is to take place, such a course seems to me highly improper.
§ MR. NORMANWill the right hon. Gentleman convey that expression of opinion to the auctioneer, whose name I have privately given to the right hon. Gentleman?
§ * Mr. RITCHIEI will take care that a copy of the Question and of my answer goes to the auctioneer.