HC Deb 25 July 1918 vol 108 cc1997-8
48. Colonel FABER

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to bring in Home Rule for India during the present Parliament?

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, will he, in order to assure the Indian people in regard to the proposals for self-government, state that the Government will observe the same good faith towards them, and the same scrupulous regard for their pledges, as they have observed towards the Irish people?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have no doubt it is unnecessary to make any such statement.

HON. MEMBERS

They know you! One of the gun-runners!

Mr. BONAR LAW

My answer to the question on the Paper is, No, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement of the policy of the Government made on the 20th August last year.

Colonel FABER

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether before that Home Rule Bill is brought in, he will consult the people who have lived in India all, or most, of their lives?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I began my answer by saying that we do not propose to bring in a Home Rule Bill for India.

Mr. DEVLIN

That is straighter than you act towards Ireland.