HC Deb 30 July 1919 vol 118 cc2081-3
7. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will direct the Government of India to request the pre sent Governors of the provinces which submitted an alternative scheme on the 15th January last to nominate representatives, either now in this country or in India, to express their views before the Joint Select Committee on the Government of India Bill?

Mr. MONTAGU

No, Sir.

Colonel YATE

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's statement the other day that he represents the Provincial Governments, may I ask how he can represent those Governments when his opinions are directly opposed to their views?

Mr. MONTAGU

I will take the most scrupulous care that their views are put before the Committee. I understand that the Committee have already decided to hear the evidence of one of those who drew up the alternative scheme.

Colonel YATE

May not the other five also be represented?

Mr. MONTAGU

If five men draw up a scheme I should have thought it sufficient to have one to explain it.

Colonel YATE

Has the right hon. Gentleman nominated only one man to represent his views? How many does he directly nominate?

Mr. MONTAGU

My hon. and gallant Friend sticks to his point very hard. The oilier day I asked him to suggest to me the names of witnesses he thought ought to be called by the Select Committee. He did so, and I have communicated these names to the Committee, and I have every hope that they will be called.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Seeing that it is the Government of India that is in question, will it not be possible to call more Indians before the Committee. Why should people like Lajpat Rai be prohibited coining to this country to give evidence?

Mr. MONTAGU

I have not the slightest doubt that the Committee will call for and get what evidence is required.

9. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, considering that the Indian extremists and soi-disant moderates are represented by large deputations now in this country, and that there are many organisations of Mahomedans and the working classes of India which are prevented by want of money from sending their representatives, as they are most anxious to do, the Government of India will provide the necessary funds in order that these poor people may be properly represented and thus placed in a position of equality before the Joint Select Committee on the Government of India Bill with the Brahmin and higher caste deputations?

Mr. MONTAGU

I have repeatedly stated that I will do all in my power to get for the Joint Committee any evidence for which it asks. I do not regard the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion as practicable.

Colonel YATE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that rural committees in India have applied to the Government of India for help to come and give evidence? Are not their views to be represented?

Mr. MONTAGU

I understand that the Government has not helped any deputation to come to this country, but has simply provided facilities for those who wish to come at their own expense. I do not see how it is possible to differentiate between one deputation and another.

Colonel YATE

These people are poor agriculturists. Why should not the Government give them help to come to this country?

Mr. MONTAGU

If my hon. and gallant Friend wishes to add that suggestion to the others he has made I will certainly communicate it to the Government.

11. Lieut. - Colonel POWNALL

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will suggest to the Joint Select Committee on the Government of India Bill the advisability of taking evidence of some of those who have recently held Provincial Governorships or other high official positions?

Mr. MONTAGU

Yes, Sir, certainly. Part of the evidence already taken toy the Committee has been of the kind referrd to; and as I informd the hon. and gallant Member for Melton on Wednesday, I shall be happy to submit further names for the Committee's consideration.