§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Under Secretary of State for India whether his attention had been called to a discussion in the 1710 Imperial Council of India on the increase of public expenditure; and whether, in view of the admitted facts regarding the increase, the Government would consider the appointment of a small committee consisting partly of officials and partly of non-officials to inquire and report upon the subject?
§ Mr. MONTAGUA Resolution in favour of such a Committee as my hon. Friend refers to was moved by Mr. Gokhale in the Viceroy's Legislative Council at the end of January, and was withdrawn after discussion. In view of this, the answer to the question must be in the negative. But the Secretary of State will communicate with the Government of India regarding the discussion in India, and will draw their attention to my hon. Friend's question. He will suggest that an account of the growth of expenditure be prepared, with a view to supplying full information to Parliament.