THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYI wish to ask the noble Viscount the Secretary of State for India whether he would postpone the Second Reading of his Bill to Thursday next, because, unfortunately, the Papers he promised have not yet reached us; at all events, I have not seen them, nor has my noble Friend behind me.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Viscount CROSS)With regard to the Papers to which my noble Friend refers, I am sorry there should have been any mistake made. But I should like to explain to the House, because I think it ought to be known, that they were sent to the Queen's Printers early last week. I had a copy of them in my hand last night, and I had been told distinctly that they would be delivered on Saturday morning. It was my desire that that should be done, as the discussion upon the Bill was coming on. It is quite clear some mistake has been made in the matter, and I can only say that I had nothing to do with it. I will, of course, postpone the Second Reading of the Bill to Thursday next as the noble Earl desires.
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYI need hardly say that I am quite satisfied the delay in delivering the Papers has arisen from an accident.
§ Second Reading put off till Thursday next.