§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether Lord Curzon was consulted as to the expenses of the reception at the India Office in connection with the Coronation Day, charged on the Indian Budget; if so, what reply he gave; whether the Secretary of State for India himself decided that the expenses of the reception should be thrown on the Indian Budget; and whether any opportunity will be given to this House to express its opinion on the matter.
§ LORD G. HAMILTONMy answer to the first Question is in the negative. The Secretary of State has no power to put a charge upon the revenues of India except with the assent of a majority of the Council of India. The discussion on the Indian Budget will take place as usual this year, and any Member of the House can then direct attention to any item of expenditure to which he objects.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREThen do I understand that this was done by a majority of the Council?
§ LORD G. HAMILTONNo, the decision was absolutely unanimous.