HC Deb 14 February 1917 vol 90 cc594-5
7. Sir J. D. REES

asked whether it is proposed that any action should be taken on the Report of the Royal Commission on the Public Services in India before the termination of the War?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The Government of India have been asked to consider and report upon the recommendations as soon as possible.

Sir J. D. REES

Does not this form one of those questions which the other day the Governor-General said were of a controversial character and which should not be dealt with during the War?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The Government of India consider—and I agree—that it is undesirable to postpone the consideration of this Report until after the War. Such a course would involve great delay. Whether, as the result of that, action before the end of the War may be suggested is another question on which I make no statement and do not desire to make one at the present time. But, at any rate, I think it is desirable that we should proceed with our consideration of the Report so that we may know what action we desire to take when the time for action comes.