HC Deb 30 July 1907 vol 179 cc755-6
Sir H. COTTON

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to give any information regarding the submission of the Report on the separation of executive and judicial functions in India, called for from the Government of India in 1899, in consequence of a memorial on the subject which was signed by the late Lord Hobhouse and other distinguished retired Members of the Indian Government.

MR. MORLEY

The question is still under the consideration of the Government of India, but I am glad to believe that it is making progress towards a settlement.

MR. REES

asked if the right hon. Gentleman had any proof that the mass of the people desired the creation of these magistrateships at their expense as well as the class who would occupy the position.

MR. MORLEY.

As my hon. friend must know it is not the easiest thing in the world to find out what the masses want.

Sir H. COTTON

asked the right hon. Gentleman if he understood that his Question was not directed to the appointment of magistrates, but simply to the separation of executive and judicial functions.

MR. MORLEY

said he quite understood the purport of the Question, a most important one in India, and substantial progress was being made towards a settlement of it.