§ Order read, for resuming adjourned debate on Question [1st June], "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ Question again proposed.
§ MR. MCKENNA (Monmouthshire, N.)asked the Secretary of State for India if he would explain the purpose of the Bill.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildfordwas understood to explain that the Indian Government had a right to appoint by statute an additional member of the Indian Council. At present the work had to be done by five members, but the 1692 duties had so increased that they were, absolutely beyond the compass of the existing members. One had broken down seriously in health, and had had to return to England. This Bill simply enabled the Government so to divide the duties that they could be properly discharged and the present members relieved.
§ MR. J. H. LEWIS (Flint Boroughs)expressed his doubts whether the salary of an additional member was justified. India was an extremely poor country; and she was overburdened with enormous salaries, many of which might with great advantage be considerably cut down.
§ MR. CHARLES CRAIG (Antrim, S.)asked why, if there was such a pressure of business in India, advantage had not been taken of the services of a member of the Indian Council who some time ago was sent to act as Under-Secretary for Ireland.