HC Deb 13 August 1919 vol 119 cc1271-2
7. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received the deputations of extremists and soidisant moderates in conference at the-India Office; and, if so, will he accord the-same privilege to the members of the non-Brahmin and other deputations now in England?

Mr. MONTAGU

I have done my best to receive and to assist all deputations from India, whatever their views, whenever I have been asked to do so. I will certainly see the non-Brahmins if they ask to see me.

8. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India what has been the result, of his communication to the Government of India regarding the grant of help to- representatives of rural communities in India to come to England to give evidence before the Joint Select Committee on the Government of India Bill, so as to place the rural communities on an equality with the Brahmin and higher cast communities of the towns?

Mr. MONTAGU

I have not yet received-the views of the Government of India.

10. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it was with the advice of his Council that he summoned. Mrs. Besant as a witness to give evidence before the Joint Select Committee on the Government of India Bill?

Mr. MONTAGU

I did not summon Mrs. Besant as a witness before the Joint Committee. I had no power so to summon Mrs. Besant. I have no power so to summon, anybody.

Colonel YATE

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the "Life and Activities of Mrs. Besant," published in India?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is; a matter for a. private question in the Lobby.