§ VISCOUNT CROSSMy Lords, there is a question which deeply interests all who are concerned in any way with India which I wish to ask the noble Earl the Secretary of State for India, and of which I have given him private notice. It is generally understood that a small Committee or Commission has been appointed with the noble and learned Lord on the Woolsack in the Chair, to inquire into the question of the Indian Currency in some shape or other—I do not know exactly in what form; but a great deal of anxiety is expressed in India upon the subject, and I shall be very glad if the noble Earl can tell us whether he is likely soon to receive the Report of the Commission. I presume that as soon as he receives it the Government will take it into consideration, and that it will be laid on the Table.
THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (The Earl of KIMBERLEY)My Lords, I am not surprised at the anxiety which the noble Viscount manifests for the production of this Report. I may say that, personally, I am most anxious it should be ready as soon as possible. I am informed that the Committee are approaching the termination of their labours, and that the Report may be expected before long. As soon as we receive it I need scarcely say it will receive our very earliest consideration.