HC Deb 04 May 1905 vol 145 c917
MR. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy Burghs)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he has any official information showing that Lord Kitchener is dissatisfied with the existing conditions attaching to his post of Commander-in-Chief in India.

MR. BRODRICK

The present system of Army administration in India has recently been the subject of correspondence with the Government of India, and is at present under the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

MR. DALZIEL

The right hon. Gentleman has in no way whatever answered the Question. Does he see any objection to Lord Kitchener's Memorandum on the subject being laid on the Table?

MR. BRODRICK

I could not possibly lay it on the Table, because it forms part of a correspondence which is at this moment under consideration of the Government.

MR. DALZIEL

Can the right hon. Gentleman not answer my Question?

MR. BRODRICK

I have already answered the Question, Sir. It is quite contrary to all custom that correspondence relating to the Indian Government and the opinions of particular members of the Indian Government should be cited in this House when they are under consideration of the Government.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Has Lord Kitchener tendered his resignation? Answer me that.

[No Answer was returned.]