HC Deb 12 November 1908 vol 196 cc526-7
SIR H. COTTON

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether a Departmental Committee has been appointed to consider the measures of reform in India which are foreshadowed in His Majesty's gracious proclamation; and, if so, will he state the names of the members of the Committee.

MR. BUCHANAN

On the 15th October in answer to a Question by the hon. Member I stated that the question of reform in Indian Administration was under the consideration of the Secretary of State in Council, and that he was not in a position to make any further statement. I have nothing at present to add to that reply.

SIR H. COTTON

Is it a fact that no Departmental Committee has been appointed?

MR. BUCHANAN

I do not think it is quite reasonable to ask as to the methods by which the Secretary of State is endeavouring to form the best judgment and to get from a very wide circle advice on the very important matters involved.

* MR. REES

Do the Government of India contemplate any reforms in the direction of strengthening its hands for the suppression of sedition and the punishment of crime?

MR. BUCHANAN

There again I hardly think my hon. friend's Question arises out of the Question on the Paper.