§ 8. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Secretary of State for India what reply has been given by the Government to the request, made six months ago by the Indian Legislative Assembly, that an examination should be held into the Indian Constitution?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI presume that the Noble Lord refers to the Resolution passed by the Assembly at the end of September asking the Government of India to convey to the Secretary of State the view of the Assembly "That the progress made by India on the path of responsible government warrants a reexamination and revision of the constitution at an earlier date than 1929." I propose to send a despatch in reply following generally the lines I indicated on this subject in my statement to the House on the 14th February.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that to grant the demand of the Legislative Assembly would have a very great effect on public opinion in India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI think that the Noble Lord is under a misapprehension as to the wishes of the Legislature. Under the Act, a re-examination will be necessary in 1929.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it, not the case that many in India are persuaded that the only course of safety is a firm adherence to the decision with regard to the provision of the reforms which he has already announced?
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIs my right hon. Friend going to grant a re-examination before 1929?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt is rather too early yet to say. The year 1929 is a long way off.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is becoming a Debate.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHas the right hon. Gentleman received a resolution on this subject from the Labour party?
§ Sir H. CRAIKMay I have an answer to the question which I asked before the hon. Member for Nottingham (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinck) intervened?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe must not allow these questions and answers to develop-into a Debate.