§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the present relations between the Houses of Parliament and to the position of the House of Commons as a controlling power over Indian affairs, 97 the promised legislation in relation to Indian reform will be introduced in this House.
§ MR. ASQUITHI am afraid that I cannot add anything to the answer which I have already given to the hon. Member. I can make no pledge as to whether the Bill in question will be introduced in this House or the other.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLMay I suggest that hope shall not be deferred till after the 14th? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there is a considerable body of opinion in this country which does not think the House of Lords the proper medium for the introduction of legislation?
§ [No Answer was returned.]
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that the promised statement of Viscount Morley on the subject of Indian reform is to be made, owing to his elevation to the Peerage, not in the House of Commons but in the House of Lords, the Papers with reference to the subject of Indian reform, whose publication and circulation have been promised, will be in the hands of the Members of this House, as the Assembly primarily entitled to information on public affairs, not after but before the delivery of Viscount Morley's pronouncement.
§ MR. ASQUITHI can say no more at present than that the Papers will be circulated at the earliest possible moment.