§ MR. T. L. CORBETT (Down, N.)To ask the Secretary of State for India if he will state what is the number of members of the Indian Council; whether it is proposed to reduce the number; and whether there is any precedent for one of the members undertaking employment for an indefinite period under another department of the State without first resigning his position as a member of the Indian Council.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) The number of members of the Council of India was formerly fifteen; but under the Act 52 and 53 Vie., c. 65, it may be gradually reduced to ten; by the exercise of this power it has been reduced to twelve, at which figure it now stands. There is at least one precedent for one of the members undertaking employment under another Department of the State, for a period not strictly defined, without resigning his membership of Council. I refer to Sir James Mackay's recent Mission to China.