HC Deb 26 March 1919 vol 114 cc376-7
5. Colonel YATE

asked whether the Government of India, in view of the unreality of the opposition offered to the Rowlatt Commission Bills becoming law, have considered the advice tendered by the Hon. Mr. Mitter, in the Bengal Legislative Council, that the merchants and traders in the rural areas who have suffered should be consulted on the question?

Mr. FISHER

The advice was not tendered to the Bengal Government, but to a member of the Legislative Council. The Government of India may be assumed to have informed themselves of the opinion of this section of the rural community.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any truth in the description of the opposition offered to these Bills as being unreal in view of the fact that the Indian members of the Legislative Council are unanimous in their opposition?

Mr. FISHER

I think the Indian members of the Council may be sincere in their opposition.