§ 46. Mr. DENMANasked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that each month's delay in granting constitutional reforms to India adds to the difficulties of granting them and diminishes their value when granted, he will allow an early discussion of the Secretary of State's Report?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I cannot add anything on this subject to the answer I gave on the 10th instant to the hon. Baronet the Member for West Denbighshire.
§ Mr. DENMANDoes not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that the continued neglect of Indian subjects by this House has a very bad effect in India, and while it is recognised that the Government can give no immediate reply, would not a Debate in this House give valuable ventilation to the whole subject?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think it is a matter of opinion. In the first place time is very limited and I do not wish to give up time unless it is necessary. Then the subject is really a very complicated one and one must have time to study the documents.
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSDoes that answer cover the case of a Debate on the Indian Budget, and does the right hon. Gentleman wish to convey the impression that he desires to shelve this Report and the urgent questions connected with it?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI hope my answer did not convey that impression. It was certainly not what I intended. Everyone 1432 recognises the importance of this subject. I have myself tried to look at this Report, but I could not attempt to deal with it now. I think the same thing is true of all the members of the Government and I fancy it would be true of most Members of the House of Commons.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it not absolutely necessary to receive opinions from all parts of India, which must take some time to reach this country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI really do not think there need be much discussion in question and answer on this subject. I have already said if I found there was a general desire in the House to have it discussed, I would find time. As a matter of fact I think nothing would be gained by discussing it before the Recess.
§ Mr. ROBERTSHas not the right hon. Gentleman already received a formal request for a discussion on the Indian Budget, and has it been granted?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not think I have received such a request.
§ Mr. PRINGLEHas the official Opposition asked for a day?
§ Mr. GULLANDI made a representation to the Noble Lord (Lord E. Talbot) asking for a day.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have no doubt what the hon. Gentleman says is true. Very likely it came to me, but I have forgotten if it be so. It is a question of time.
§ Mr. ROBERTSIs it not really neglecting India that we cannot spare a single day?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI really think to make that suggestion is itself to do the evil which the hon. Gentleman wishes to avoid. There is no such feeling in any part of the House. It is a question of the general arrangement of the Business of the House.