HC Deb 10 May 1906 vol 156 cc1469-70
MR. HAROLD COX (Preston)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the protests made in India against the narrow limitation of the time now assigned to the Budget debate in the Viceregal Council; and whether he will consult with the Government of India as to the desirability of such an extension of the time as would enable a reasonable review to be made of the wide field of subjects covered by the Budget.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. JOHN MORLEY,) Montrose Burghs

I am aware, and I am not surprised, that it has been suggested that the debate should extend over three days instead of one; but my attention has not been called to any protests on the subject. I will bring the hon. Member's Question before the notice of the Government of India.

MR. O'GRADY (Leeds, E.)

asked whether the Indian people had any voice in the control of the finance of their country?

MR. JOHN MORLEY

I think the hon. Member is well enough aware of the constitution of the Government of India to know that I cannot give him any answer which is satisfactory to him.

MR. O'GRADY

But have they?

MR. KEIR HARDIE (Merthyr Tydvil)

Was that a proper answer to give, Mr. Speaker? The Question was perfectly civil, and surely the hon. Member was entitled to a civil reply.

MR. JOHN MORLEY

I think my answer was quite civil, and not discourteous.