MR. HERBERT ROBERTS) (Denbighshire, W.I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Sir Colin Scott-Moncrieff's Commission has already made progress in its investigations of existing projects for water supply in India; whether provision can be made for a larger allocation of funds for that purpose out of the Budget's surplus; and whether it is the intention of the Local Governments of Bombay and Madras to proceed without delay with the construction of such water works, tanks, dams, or embankments as can be provided by the provincial funds at their disposal.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord G. HAMILTON,) Middlesex, EalingThe Irrigation Commission has not, I believe, submitted any Report, and its investigations will not be completed for about a year. In the meantime the Government of India have in their Budget made a special allotment to Local Governments for minor works, as they are of opinion that in this way the most direct and immediate benefit is likely to be realised; and that the larger schemes which they have in view require careful consideration, and should not be hurriedly undertaken. This allotment will be used by the Local Governments without delay.