§ 28. Colonel YATEasked whether the proposal by the Government of India to limit the legislation to carry out the recommendations of the Rowlatt Committee to a duration of three years is directly opposed to the recommendations of that Committee; whether he will consider the seriousness of throwing over the considered opinions of the two distinguished Indians, one a judge of the High Court, Madras, and the other a vakil of the High Court, Calcutta, who were members of the Rowlatt Committee, and, with the other members, considered it necessary that the legislation should be permanent; and whether, under these circumstances, he will request the Government of India to reconsider their decision?
§ Mr. FISHERThe Government of India's decision to limit the legislation in question for the duration of three years only applies to the Emergency Powers Bill above. The Bill making changes in the ordinary criminal law is of a permanent character. Upon the question whether the Emergency Powers Bill should be a permanent or temporary measure the Committee definitely stated that they expressed no opinion; the hon. and gallant Member will find the statement in paragraph 178 of the Report.