§ Mr. MacLARENasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any discussions regarding the Indian situation have been held between representatives of the Government of India now in this country and the Secretary of State for India; and, if so, will he indicate the precise nature of these discussions?
§ Earl WINTERTONAs has been announced, the Governor-General has come to this country in order to discuss Indian affairs with my Noble Friend and His Majesty's Government. The discussions are now in progress, but I am not prepared to indicate their nature
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask whether it is a fact that Messrs. Das and Motilal Nehru are coming to this country, and that they will be consulted in connection with the Muddiman Report?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe question does not arise, obviously, out of the question which has been asked, nor can I answer it in relation to the question on the Paper. I know nothing of the movements of Mr. Das and Motilal Nehru
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to understand that there is no connection whatever between the visit to this count)yof these people and the visit of the Governor-General?
§ Earl WINTERTONNot so far as I am aware
§ Mr. THURTLEasked the Under-Secretary of state for India whether he expects to be in a position to make any announcement in the near future on the result of the consultations between the Viceroy and the Secretary of State for India?
§ Earl WINTERTONI have no doubt occasion will arise in the course of the next few weeks for a statement in Parliament on Indian affairs, but I cannot indicate a date
§ Mr. THURTLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is extremely desirable that this statement should be made at the earliest possible moment?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe hon. Member is, no doubt, aware that if it were desired to have a Debate on the Estimates, that matter could be arranged through the ordinary channels in due course, but the initiative rests with the hon. Member's Leader
§ Colonel WEDGWO0DIs the noble Lord aware that we are not anxious to debate the Estimates until we know the results of the consultations?
§ Earl WINTERTONThen I think my answer very adequately answered the question, when I said I am not in a position to make a statement now, but that I have no doubt an occasion will arise in the course of the next few weeks