§ MR. MACKARNESS (Berkshire, Newbury)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can state the date upon which the Secretary of State will explain the reforms contemplated for India; what opportunity this House will have of becoming acquainted with them; and when they will actually come into force.
§ SIR H. COTTONAt the same time may I ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, when the Secretary of State makes his statement regarding the reforms in India foreshadowed in His Majesty's gracious proclamation, a simultaneous statement will be made in this House; and whether this House will be afforded an opportunity for discussing the statement made.
§ MR. BUCHANANI will answer this Question and that of the hon. Member for Nottingham on the same subject together. I am unable at present to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Nottingham on Thursday last.
§ * MR. MACKARNESSDoes that mean that this House will be dependent for information on the debate in another place?
§ MR. BUCHANANIt merely means that I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave last Thursday.
§ SIR H. COTTONWill this House be allowed no opportunity of discussing the question?
§ MR. BUCHANANI have not said that.
§ * MR. MACKARNESSCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to state whether this House will have an opportunity of hearing the proposals of the Secretary of State?
§ MR. BUCHANANNo, Sir.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLAre we to understand that we are only to get our information about India from the House of Lords?
§ MR. BUCHANANNo, Sir, you are not to understand that.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI am afraid I do understand it.