11. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary for India whether he can give the House any information concerning the progress of negotiations in regard to the reservation of seats for non-Brahmins in provincial councils.
§ Mr. FISHERMy hon. Friend has no doubt seen since he put down his question a Reuter's telegram in the "Times" of the 20th reporting the appointment of Lord Meston as arbitrator. I have no further information, and I would remind my hon. Friend that this question was remitted for settlement in India.
§ 12. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary for India whether his attention has been called to the telegram regarding the failure of the non-Brahmin negotiations at Madras on the subject of the distribution of seats according to the recommendation of the Joint Committee, published in the Press of 21st January; and will he give the text of his telegram to Lord Willingdon, the Governor of Madras, giving the latter private instructions that the reservation of seats for non-Brahmins should be ruled out of the discussion?
§ Mr. FISHERI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on the 18th February to the hon. Member for Stafford. My right hon. Friend gave no instructions in the sense indicated.
§ Colonel YATEWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the Question? Will he give the text of the Secretary of State's telegram?
§ Mr. FISHERAs I have already pointed out, the Secretary of State gave no such instructions.
§ Colonel YATEIs the report in the Press entirely erroneous as to the statement made by Lord Willingdon?
§ Mr. FISHERBefore answering that I must see the report in the Press.
Mr. OMSBY-GOREDoes not that erroneous Press report allege that Lord Willingdon tried to interfere on his own initiative as the result of a telegram from the Secretary of State, and that in fact no such telegram was sent by the Secretary of State, and that though Lord Willingdon called this Conference together he was not present at the Conference, and made no communication to it whatsoever?