§ Mr. O'GRADYasked whether the hon. Gentleman's attention had been called to the suspension of the municipal powers of the city of Ahmedabad by the Government of Bombay; if so, whether, having regard to a recently published report stating that the municipalities in the Bombay Presidency had made commendable progress everywhere, he could state the reason for the action in suspending the municipal powers of Ahmedabad?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Bombay Government have by Order made under Section 179 of the Bombay District Municipal Act superseded the Ahmedabad municipality for one year on account of its incompetence, persistent default, and abuse of powers. The Order was published in the "Bombay Government Gazette" of the 19th May, with a statement of the reasons 181 for the action taken. I shall be happy to let the hon. Member have a copy of it, if he desires. I may add that the most recently published report on municipalities in Bombay, so far from commending the progress of the Ahmedabad municipality, speaks of its "incapacity to treat any subject in a businesslike manner, or to conduct the administration of city government."