HC Deb 02 June 1924 vol 174 cc851-2
14. Mr. SIMPSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give the names of the non-official members of the Committee appointed by the Government of India to inquire into the working of the reforms; and whether the terms of reference include inquiry and report on amendments necessary in the Government of India Act, 1919?

Mr. RICHARDS

I cannot yet give the names of the members of the Committee but expect to be able to do so shortly. The terms of reference to the Committee are: (i) to inquire into difficulties arising from, or defects inherent in, the working of the Government of India Act and the Rules thereunder, and (ii) to investigate the feasibility and desirability of securing remedies for such difficulties or defects consistent with the structure, policy and purpose of the Act—

  1. (a) by action taken under the Act and Rules, or
  2. (b) by such amendments of the Act as appear necessary to rectify any administrative imperfections.

Mr. MILNE

Is it the duty of the Committee to suggest Amendments in the Act, and if so is not that a contradiction of what the hon. Gentleman stated in the House?

Mr. RICHARDS

No. The Committee is to consider imperfections in the working of the Act.

Earl WINTERTON

In what way are the terms of reference of this Committee different from those of the statutory Royal Commission to be set up under the Act?

Mr. RICHARDS

The terms of reference were outlined by Sir Malcolm Hailey in the two speeches which he made earlier in the year.

Earl WINTERTON

Did he, in fact, use language which could now be taken as being the same as the actual terms of reference?

Mr. RICHARDS

I think that all these statements will he found in these two speeches.

Lieut.-Colonel MEYLER

Would it not be better to set up a Royal Commission to deal with this matter straight away?

Mr. RICHARDS

That is another opinion.

Sir C. YATE

This is quite a new matter.

Mr. RICHARDS

It is not new. This is what was promised in February.