§ MR. REESTo ask the Secretary of State for India whether, among the zemindaris affected by the Madras Landed Estates Bill are included any in respect of which the Court of Wards occupies a fiduciary position; whether such court is, 1321 in fact, officially subordinate to the Madras Government; if so, whether minors seized of such estates are sufficiently represented in regard to interests which may be, and which, it is asserted, are prejudicially affected by the Bill now before the Legislative Council of the said Government; and, whether, in these circumstances, he will arrange that such minors, if any, shall receive separate and independent representation during the passage of the said Bill through the Legislative Council of the said Government.
§ (Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley.) The Madras Estates Land Bill purports to declare and determine the conditions of tenancy in permanently settled estates in the Madras Presidency. It is of general application to all such estates, whether they are for the time being under the management of the proprietors themselves or under that of the Court of Wards. The interests of minors are not exceptionally affected so as to require separate representation on the legislative council. Permanently settled proprietors are already represented on the council. I do not propose to take any action in the matter.