§ 11. Mr. KINGasked whether Mr. J. Begg, consulting architect to the Government of India, has been consulted on the lay-out and building of the new Delhi; and, if so, whether his views have been expressed in a form that can be made public?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Secretary of State has not yet received the final Report of the Committee and other papers bearing upon it. He is, therefore, unable to say whether the consulting architect to the Government of India has recorded his views on the subject.
§ Mr. KINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, during his absence, a promise was given that Mr. Begg would be consulted?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have no doubt he has been consulted. All I said was that I am unable to say whether he has recorded his views or not.
§ 12. Mr. KINGasked whether Sir Swinton Jacob is now in India advising the Delhi Town-Planning Committee or the selected architects; and, if not, when he will take up his duties in connection with the work of designing the new capital of India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUSir Swinton Jacob is not at present in India. It is hoped that he will meet the selected architects in this country next month, and visit India next cold weather.
§ Mr. MONTAGUI believe not.
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe architects have already been selected.
§ Mr. MONTAGUMr. Lutyens and Mr. Baker have been selected by the Secretary of State.
§ 13. Mr. KINGasked when the plans and drawings of Mr. Lutyens for Government House at the new Delhi will be exhibited in the Tea Room?
§ Mr. MONTAGUPlans and drawings have not yet been received from Mr. Lutyens or Mr. Baker. No statement can therefore be made as to when they will be exhibited.
§ 14. Mr. KINGasked whether the Delhi Town-Planning Committee has presented its Report; whether that Report contains, or is expected to contain, a lay-out plan for the new city; and, if so, when this plan will be exhibited in the Tea Room?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI understand that the Report has been presented, but it has not yet reached this country, so I cannot say whether it will contain a plan of the layout of the new city. When it is received, the Secretary of State will bear in mind the wish of hon. Members to see the plan at an early date.
§ Mr. KINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that he gave a promise a great many months ago that this Report would be communicated to the House?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI gave a promise that it would be communicated as soon as possible.
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt has not yet been received in this country. The Secretary of State will bear in mind the desire of hon. Members to have it as early as possible.
§ Mr. KINGDoes the hon. Gentleman adhere to the promise he made that this Report would be communicated?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI adhere to every promise I have made.