§ 7. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary for India whether his attention has been drawn to the misunderstandings that appear to have arisen in Madras regarding the communication sent by the Secretary of State to the Government of India or the Governor of Madras, or both, on the subject of the distribution of seats between Brahmins and non-Brahmins according to the recommendations of the Joint Select Committee; if he has now seen the telegram; and whether he will give the text of the telegraphic private instructions to the Governor of Madras in so far as those instructions relate to the representation of non-Brahmins?
§ Mr. FISHERIt is clear that the Press telegram from Madras which my hon. and gallant Friend presumably has in mind is inaccurate. I have already stated quite explicitly (in my answer of the 18th February to the hon. Member for Stafford) the terms of the message which my right hon. Friend sent to the Governor of Madras, and the very unusual step of publishing the actual text would not afford any further information on the point. The question at issue between Brahmins and non-Brahmins in Madras is, I understand, now under arbitration.
§ Col. YATEIf the publication of the text of the telegram would not afford any information, what objection is there to publishing it?
§ Mr. FISHERIt is not usual to publish a telegram.
Sir J. D. REESHas not Lord Meston, who has been appointed arbitrator, succeeded in effecting a settlement of the question?
§ Mr. FISHERLord Meston has been appointed arbitrator, but I have not received official information as to a settlement.