§ Sir J. D. REESasked whether the Indian Tea Association, while recording a protest against the unprecedented method in which the administrative changes announced at the Delhi Durbar have been effected, and while viewing with alarm the probable cost of carrying out these measures, which in their opinion must exceed the estimated four millions, and the heavy increase in recurring charges, which must withdraw funds needed for education, sanitation, and communications, has asked, in view of the expense to which Assam has been put in connection with the partition, for a substantial Imperial Grant for the improvement of communications throughout the province; and whether this request is receiving the attention of the Secretary of State for India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUSuch a representation as that to which the hon. Member refers would not be addressed to the Secretary of State—he has seen a newspaper report—but to the Government of India, and would not reach the Secretary of State unless the Government of India were prepared to recommend it for his sanction. The Government of India has recommended, and the Secretary of State has sanctioned, a provisional settlement for the new province of Assam for the next three years, which will give it a starting balance of 40 lakhs (£267,000). The Secretary of State is of opinion that this will prove ample, and the sum was fixed after due consideration of all the needs of the province, including the improvement of communications.