HC Deb 26 March 1923 vol 162 cc2-3
1. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he will state what steps he proposes to take about the Royal Commission on Indian Services now that the Assembly at Delhi has refused to pass the Vote for their expenses; and whether he proposes to charge it now to this country?

8. Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Legislative Assembly of India has refused to vote £20,000 for the expenses of a Royal Commission proposed to be set up by the Secretary of State to consider the grievances of the India Service; can he say whether this proposed Commission was suggested by the Viceroy or has it been imposed upon India by the India Office; whether the Viceroy, in spite of the rejection of the amount in question by the Legislative Assembly, has, by the exercise of his powers, restored the amount to the Budget, and will the House of Commons have an opportunity of discussing this matter before the Viceroy's action becomes operative?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)

The Government of India, acting under the powers conferred upon them by Subsection (7) of Section 67A of the Government of India Act, have restored the provision for the expenses of the Royal Commission. The restoration of the Vote in question was not the personal action of the Viceroy, but was decided upon by the Governor-General in Council in exercise of powers expressly conferred by the Government of India Act and has already become operative. The last part. of the question of the hon. Member for Poplar does not therefore arise. As regards the second part of his question, I would refer him to the debates in the Council of State and the Legislative Assembly on the 25th and 26th January, and which show that the Government of India agree as to the necessity for the inquiry.

Mr. LANSBURY

Did the proposal to appoint a Royal Commission originate with the Secretary of State?

Earl WINTERTON

I did not think that we are asked to say whether or not the decision of the Viceroy in Council was taken as a result of representations made to him by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State and the Governor in Council are in complete agreement over the matter.

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