§ MR. O'GRADY (Leeds, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the dissatisfaction that prevails in India, arising from the fact that the Indian peoples have no control of the finances of the country, and also because of the fact that their representatives in the legislative councils are unable, by reason of the Constitution, to initiate any measures for the better government of the country, His Majesty's Government are prepared to consider whether some measure of self-government, similar to that which operates in other British Colonies and possessions, may also be extended to British India.
§ MR. MORLEYIt would be impossible for me, within the limits of an Answer across the floor of the House, to give an opinion on the far-reaching subjects with which this Question deals. I fully understand the spirit of the Question, but His Majesty's Government are not of opinion that circumstances demand the total reconstruction of the Indian system of government, and are not prepared to initiate the vast constitutional changes indicated.
§ MR. O'GRADYasked whether the Government would be prepared to consider proposals at some subsequent date.
§ MR. MORLEYI cannot commit myself further than to assure my hon. friend that the subject is one which engages my attention.
§ MR. REESIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that dissatisfaction does prevail among the Indian peoples on this subject?
§ MB. LUPTON (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)Is it a fact that 50,000,000 of the Indian people never get a full meal from one year's end to another.
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That does not arise out of the Question on the Paper.