§ Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary for India whether the Calcutta protest against the Durbar boons has come under the notice of the Secretary of State for India; if so, whether he proposes to reconsider the proposed location of the Department of Commerce and Industry and of the Railway Department of Delhi, the method of financing the creation of a ceremonial capital at Delhi partly from loans and partly from such spare revenues as may annually become available, and the alleged inadequate representation of European commerce in the Bengal Legislative Council; and, if the answer be in the affirmative, what steps he proposes to take upon the said protest?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Secretary of State is aware that the Bengal Chamber of Commerce addressed the Government of India on these points, and received a detailed reply. That reply has his entire concurrence and he has nothing to add to it.
§ Sir J. D. REESasked whether the reduction for the long period of service for the Indian police is still under consideration; and when a decision upon this question may be expected?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe question is still under consideration, but me Secretary of State expects to receive a Report from the Government of India very shortly.
§ Sir J. D. REESasked at what cost to Indian revenues has a Board of Revenue been created for the new province of Behar; and whether it is intended to retain this institution in addition to an executive council?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe cost of the Board of Revenue as now established in the new province of Behar-Orissa is approximately the same as that of the Board of Revenue in the former province of Eastern Bengal and Assam—namely, about two lakhs of rupees a year. The matter referred to in the latter part of the question is still under consideration.
§ Sir J. D. REESasked what extra cost to the revenues of India will result from the representation of the three administrations of Behar, Bengal, and Assam, as compared with the cost in the case of the two lieutenant-governorships of Bengal and Eastern Bengal?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIf the hon. Member means the cost of legislative councils, the estimated increase will be £133 a year, if a legislative council is established in Assam. If he means the total cost of legislative and executive councils, the estimated increase will be £14,266 a year.