§ 46. Colonel GRETTONasked the Prime Minister if the Committee of Imperial Defence and the Admiralty fully considered the establishment of an Indian naval force, as recently announced by the Viceroy, before that announcement was made; and if the Committee of Imperial Defence and the Admiralty advised the course which it is proposed to adopt?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)The Admiralty have been consulted throughout and were represented on the Committee which examined this question in India. They are in full agreement with the general scheme, subject to further discussion of one or two particulars.
§ Colonel GRETTONDo I understand that the Committee of Imperial Defence was not consulted?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Admiralty were satisfied that it was not necessary to lay it before the Committee of Imperial Defence. Of course, it is a matter that can be raised on the India Office Vote or the Civil Service Vote.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask whether the one or two particulars about which agreement will be come to did not include the question of allowing Indians to hold the King's Commission?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI must ask for notice of that question.