HC Deb 04 June 1919 vol 116 cc2001-2
51. Colonel YATE

asked the Prime Minister if he will state whether it will be within the powers of the Joint Committee of both Houses on the Government of India Bill, after the Second Reading of that Bill, to introduce an Amendment to give effect to the alternative proposal submitted by the majority of the provincial Governments in India to the system of dyarchy embodied in the Bill?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is certainly our intention that this should be within the competence of the Committee, and the Bill has been drafted with this in view.

Colonel YATE

Then no objection will be taken to any Amendment on the ground that it infringes the principle of the Bill?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot, of course, answer that. A question of order must always be a question for Mr. Speaker, if in this House, or for the Chairman, and if the Chairman were in any doubt I have no doubt he would consult Mr. Speaker, but, as I have said, the Bill has been drafted with a view to making such an amendment in order.

56. Captain R. TERRELL

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government proposes to adhere to the undertaking given by the Secretary of State for India that a Joint Committee of both Houses would be appointed to hear evidence and discuss alternative proposals for Indian reform; and, if so, in what way will it be within the competence of the Committee to give guidance to the House in the event of the Second Reading of the Bill being carried?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As I stated on Monday last, it is proposed to recommend to Parliament that the Bill should be committed to a Joint Committee after Second Reading. The House will be invited to empower the Committee to send for persons, papers, and records, and the Committee would then have power under S.O. 63 to make any special report which they may consider desirable, and this report would give guidance to the House. It will certainly be within the competence of the Committee to discuss alternative proposals for reform.

Colonel YATE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when we shall get the names of the members of that Committee?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As soon as possible after the Second Reading is carried.