§ 46. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Prime Minister whether he can give any indication as to the prospects of the House having an opportunity of debating the political and trade conditions of India before the end of this Session?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe selection of the subject for discussion in Committee of Supply rests with the Opposition, and I have no power to say which Estimates shall or shall not be considered.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEDoes the Prime Minister not think that the absence of any Debate on Indian affairs during a whole Session must have a bad effect in India?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should have thought that there was sufficient interest in this House in India to have a discussion on it.
§ Colonel APPLINWill the Prime Minister give the same consideration to his own supporters in a matter of great importance like this that he gives to the Opposition?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. and gallant Member is evidently not aware of the custom of this House. The choice of subjects on Supply days always rests with the Opposition, whatever Government be in power.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALADoes the Prime Minister remember that there was a glaring omission in regard to India in His Majesty's Speech at the opening of Parliament, and that if that is followed by a complete absence of discussion of a subject affecting a country where people have not ocmplete self-government, it will be misunderstood?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter of argument.