§ Sir C. YATEasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the statement in the Bengalee newspaper of 4th May that 38 dacoities, or robbery with violence by armed gangs, took place in Bengal during the first fortnight in April; what steps have been taken to strengthen the police force in Bengal, and has he any evidence indicating that this great outbreak is due to the expressed intention of the Legislative Council to reduce the police?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have no corroboration of the statement in the "Bengali" newspaper, but the figures quoted do not, I think, represent any substantial increase on the statistics of recent years. I have not heard that future reinforcement is thought necessary or contemplated. The second part of the question, in view of these facts, does not arise, but I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the budget grant for the police was finally passed by the Legislative Council with only minor alterations.