§ 52. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether he will allow an opportunity to discuss the Indian States (Protection against Disaffection) Act which was passed over the heads of the Indian Assembly, and is now accordingly lying upon the Table of the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI fear that owing to the pressure of other business and the shortness of the present Session it would not be possible to find time during it to discuss this Act. Although, in view of the urgent necessity in India for implementing the Act, it will be regrettable if action on it has to be postponed, I am nevertheless prepared, if hon. Members wish to press for a discussion, to give an undertaking that my Noble Friend the Secretary of State will not submit the Act for His Majesty's approval until the House has had an opportunity of considering it during the next Session.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALAWill there be any technical bar against taking up this Act a little later on? In view of the fact that I have received a telegram from Bombay, stating that the people of India are presenting a petition to this Parliament, and have already posted it, would the Prime Minister be good enough to say if, early in the next Session, it will be possible to discuss this matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. Member evidently did not hear my answer. I promised that, if it is desired—as I presume it will be—that there should be a discussion, the Act will not be implemented until that discussion has taken place.