HC Deb 07 May 1919 vol 115 cc878-9
4. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the many articles in the Indian Press complaining of the grant of A 2 priority certificates by the Government of India to Indian members of political deputations to visit England in connection with the proposed Montagu-Chelmsford reform scheme, thereby depriving many sick men, women, and children of passages home before the monsoon breaks; and what steps have been taken to provide extra passenger accommodation for the latter?

Mr. MONTAGU

The Government of India in now giving facilities to representatives of different political parties in India to visit this country this year in connection with the scheme of Indian constitutional reforms are discharging a definite obligation which they undertook for good reasons last year, when the War was still on. The number of persons in each delegation is kept within very close limits, and I feel sure that the Government of India, in making good their promise, are not neglectful of the claims of other classes of the community. As demobilisationhas been temporarily suspended in India some additional shipping accommodation for civilian passengers will probably be available.

Colonel YATE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the last mail steamer six British ladies and children had to be put down in the hold below the water-line to make room—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Member must give notice of that question.

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