§ 5. Sir J. D. REESasked whether the Government of India's proposal to duplicate the office of Director-General of Commercial Intelligence arose out of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce's objection to the removal of the Department of Commerce and Industry from the chief seat of industry and commerce in India, or whether any such proposal had been made public before the Government of India answered the first representation in this behalf of the Bengal Chamber; and what is estimated to be the approximate cost of the proposed duplication?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Secretary of State has no information as to the exact date or origin of the proposals referred to by the hon. Member. They appear to have been first published in the circular letter addressed in April by the Government of India to the Indian Chambers of Commerce. But they are mentioned as a scheme under consideration in the letter addressed in February to the Bengal Chamber in reply to the chamber's letter of 2nd February. There are no materials before the Secretary of State from which an estimate of the cost of the scheme could be arrived at.
§ Sir J. D. REESMay I ask the Undersecretary if he contends that these proposals arose from causes other than the transfer of the capital to Delhi? Does he suggest there was any other origin?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe hon. Member will see from the answer on 2nd February that they were already under consideration.
§ Sir J. D. REESThe transfer was on 1st January, was it not?