§ 97. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Secretary of State will, before again raising the question of providing an Executive Council for the Lieutenant-Governor of the United Provinces, inquire into the attitude in regard to this question of the official and commercial classes in India; and whether he has received any expressions of opinion from these classes?
§ Mr. SWIFT McNEILLIs it not the fact that both the Indian Government and the India Office have definitely promised to establish this Executive Council at the earliest possible moment?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY for INDIA (Mr. Charles Roberts)The views of the official and commercial classes in the United Provinces on the question were carefully ascertained by the Lieutenant-Governor, and reported by him in his letter, recommending the early establishment of an Executive Council. The Secretary of State sees no necessity for further inquiry. Memorials in support of the measure have been received from all parts of India, but none against it from the classes mentioned by the hon. Member. In answer to the supplementary question I have to say I think the statement made by the hon. Member is approximately correct.
§ Sir J. D. REESWhy does the Secretary of State allow to representations of local officials in this matter a weight which he entirely denies to them with regard to enticement of labour?
§ Mr. KINGIf any more inquiries are to be made on this subject may they be addressed to our Indian fellow-soldiers fighting in France?