HC Deb 16 February 1904 vol 129 cc1489-90
MR. HERBERT ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether the Report of the Commission on Indian Police Organisation which took evidence last year, and the resolution thereon of the Governor-General in Council, will be placed before Parliament early this session; and whether the recommendations of that Commission include proposals for admission, by promotion or otherwise, of experienced Indian members of that service to any of its three higher grades, or any modifications of the present system under which youthful Europeans, selected in this country without previous knowledge of India and its races, are, on appointment, posted directly to the higher ranks of the police service.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

I do not anticipate that it will be possible to lay the Report of the Indian Police Commission before Parliament early this session, or to make any statement on the subject, as I must await the recommendations of the Government of India. The whole subject is being carefully considered in communication with the local governments.

MR. HERBERT ROBERTS

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give the House the information before the debits on the Budget?

MR. BRODRICK

Which debate?

MR. HERBERT ROBERTS

The debate on the Indian Budget—at the end of the session?

MR. BRODRICK

I will do my best.