DR. RUTHERFORD (Middlesex, Brentford)I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether he will arrange that this House shall receive a statement regarding the intentions of His Majesty's Government towards Indian reform simultaneously with the House of Lords; and whether he will afford this House an opportunity of discussing the same this session.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. ASQUITH, Fifeshire, E.)The Secretary of State for India hopes to be able to make a statement on Indian policy on or about December 14. He will at the same time lay Papers before Parliament, comprising proposals of the Government of India, and his own reply. A very short Bill will be necessary, and we shall present it next session. That seems to be the best occasion for discussion here, when Members will have had time to consider the Papers, and their reception in India.
DR RUTHERFORDDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would be fairer to this House to give it an opportunity for discussing the statement of December 14th on the same day as it is made?
§ MR. ASQUITHNo, Sir; I think not. The Secretary of State will make his statement separately.
MR. SWIFT MACNECLL (Donegal, S.)Will the right hon. Gentleman see so far as possible that matters of great public interest shall be communicated first to this House rather than to the House of Lords?
§ MR. ASQUITHYes, Sir. I feel that quite as strongly as any Member of the House of Commons, but when the responsible Minister is in the House of Lords it is only natural that the first statement should be made in that place.