HC Deb 21 April 1904 vol 133 cc841-2
SIR SEYMOUR KING (Hull, Central)

To ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to a statement made officially on 15th February last by Sir Denzil Ibbetson at a meeting of the Viceroy's Council, to the effect that the issues involved in the recommendations of the Indian Police Commission were then before the Secretary of State for India, and that the publication of the Report depended on his consideration of the question; and whether he can explain the delay in the consideration of the question.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) I have not seen any report of a statement by Sir D. Ibbetson that the recommendations of the Police Commission were before me for consideration, nor would such a statement have been correct. Rut he appears to have said, quite accurately, that the publication of the Report was deferred under my orders and those of my predecessor, until the consideration of the issues involved should be further advanced. As I have already explained on more than one occasion, and as the Viceroy has also stated in the speech which he delivered on the Budget on 30th March, the Report had to be laid before Local Governments for their opinions; and until those opinions have been obtained orders cannot be passed upon the recommendations of the Commission. So far as I am aware, there has been no avoidable delay in the consideration of the subject, and I have pressed the Government of India to expedite their recommendations so far as they are able.