§ 9. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has received any statement of the circumstances which led to the resigna- 605 tion of the Honourable Mr. T. R. Venkatarama Sastri from the law membership of the Madras Government two days after he was appointed?
§ Earl WINTERTONYes, Sir. My Noble Friend has been apprised of the circumstances.
§ Mr. LANSBURYCan the Noble Lord inform the House what are the circumstances which led to this resignation?
§ Earl WINTERTONI am not quite sure that it is in order to discuss across the Floor of the House the reasons for the resignation of a member of another Government within the Empire. But I may tell the hon. Gentleman that it was due to a redistribution of portfolios in the Executive Council—a matter which was entirely in the Governor's discretion. The hon. member, Mr. Sastri, although appointed, had not begun his duty. He disagreed with the redistribution of portfolios and in consequence resigned. This is a matter wholly within the competence of the Governor, and, I contend, does not really concern us in this House.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs it not a fact that this House is responsible for the doings of the Governor?
§ Earl WINTERTONNo, by no means. It is impossible to deal with such a very wide and general question in a short answer. This House is only responsible in respect of certain of the Governor's executive acts, not in respect of all of them. He has a Commission from the King.