§ 11. Sir F. LOWEasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the action of the new Bengal Council in making a wholesale reduction in the grants for reserved Departments; and whether he proposes to take any steps to support the protest of the Governor and to prevent any recurrence of such action?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave to similar questions on the 23rd March. The Governor has, by Statute, complete powers to deal with the matter. I would refer the hon. Member to Section 72 D (2) (a) of the Act, and also to the Joint Committee's recommendations on Clause 11. Of course, His Excellency is assured of my full support in the exercise of his discretion and his use of the powers conferred upon him by Parliament.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSHas the right hon. Gentleman heard from His Excellency as to what steps he is taking in this matter?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have not heard officially. I have seen reports in the newspapers that it was the intention of the Governor to use his discretion, and he has restored, at any rate, certain of the items.
§ Sir F. LOWEWill it be in the power of His Excellency to restore the grants which have been disallowed?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Governor has, of course, power to restore the grants.
§ Sir F. LOWEDoes he propose to exercise that power?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThat is within his discretion. I have not any official information, but I understand from newspaper reports that he has exercised the power.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAs this is the first occasion on which interference has been made with the reserved services by the Indian Council, could the right hon. Gentleman not call for a full report on the matter?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI will certainly give the House every information it requires, but I do not want it to appear that we desire to interfere with the discretion of the Governor. I do not think it is the first occasion; I think a similar case has occurred.