§ 21. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for India whether any steps are being taken to embody in draft bill form the proposals for Indian reform, or if that stage must await Cabinet approval of the scheme in detail?
§ Mr. MONTAGUYes, Sir; the steps to which my hon. and gallant friend refers are now being taken.
§ Mr. WHYTEWhen does the right hon. Gentleman propose to set up a Standing Committee of this House on Indian affairs?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI cannot answer that question until the Government have decided what policy they will adopt.
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt is a part of the policy which his Excellency the Viceroy and I recommend to His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. WHYTEWill my right hon. Friend recommend it to his right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and suggest that what is good for the India Office is also good for the Foreign Office?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is rather a long way from the question on the Paper.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether this draft Bill will or will not be finished within three months' time?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI cannot say yet. My hon. Friend will realise that it is a very complicated Bill to draw up, but it is being proceeded with as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLMay I ask whether the Bill for giving Home Rule to India is considered a war measure?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI do not understand that. I am not drafting a Bill for Home Rule for India.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWill it be done as expeditiously as the Bill for Home Rule for Ireland?