§ EARL STANHOPEasked the Secretary of State for India, If he will now explain the conditions upon which the Government of India have undertaken to pay Abdurrahman a subsidy of £120,000 a-year; whether any treaty has been made with him; and, whether the treaty or any other engagement that may have been entered into contains favourable stipulations for the admission of British commerce into Afghanistan?
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYMy answer to the noble Earl's Question is this—The annual subsidy of 12 lakhs of rupees is given as a subsidy personal to the Ameer Abdurrahman, as an aid towards meeting his present difficulties in the management of his State, to be devoted to the payment of his troops and other measures required for the defence of his territories. No Treaty has been concluded with the Ameer, nor have any engagements been entered into as to commerce.
§ EARL STANHOPEasked whether there were absolutely no conditions attached to the grant of the subsidy?
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYI have given a precise answer to the noble Earl as to the terms on which the subsidy has been given to the Ameer.
§ House adjourned at half past Seven o'clock, till To-morrow, a quarter quarter past Four o'clock.