HC Deb 10 April 1907 vol 172 c211
MR. SMEATON (Stirlingshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he has yet received the Report from the Government of India upon the question referred to them last year of widening the powers and responsibilities of the legislative councils; and whether he can conveniently communicate the Report to the House before the Indian Budget is taken.

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

On last Saturday I received a despatch dealing with the subject of my hon. friend's Question; but at present I am not in a position to make a statement or to lay any Papers on the Table of the House. It is a long and important despatch and calls for mature consideration.

MR. SMEATON

Will the right hon. Gentleman enable the House to consider and discuss the Report before he takes a decision upon it?

MR. MORLEY

No, Sir. By all usage, and certainly by all expediency, I must answer that despatch on the responsibility of His Majesty's Government. But I anticipate that before any action is taken the House will have an opportunity of considering the matter.

SIR H. COTTON (Nottingham, E.)

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is in a position to say whether the recommendations contained in the despatch will involve legislation, or whether they can be decided by mere Executive action?

MR. MORLEY

I must ask my hon. friend to excuse me from saying anything on the subject at present.