§ 5. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Legislative Assembly in India has approved the proposals contained in the Government of India Indian Navy Bill now before this House?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe publication of the Committee's Report, on which the Bill is founded, gave members of the Assembly an opportunity to initiate a debate on the whole scheme if they desired, but, so far as I am aware, they have not availed themselves of it in tie 12 months that have since elapsed. As I stated on the 22nd February, 1926, the Assembly will in due course be required to consider consequential legislation.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWould it not be worth while to postpone this Bill until the Legislative Assembly has assented to it?
§ Earl WINTERTONNo. As I explained in my answer, consequential legislation which will follow, on the passage of legislation in this House and another place, will have to be passed by the Assembly in India, and then will be the time to discuss the matter.
§ Mr. LANSBURYDoes that mean that if the Assembly does not pass the consequential legislation, the Act passed here will be of no effect?
§ Earl WINTERTONIt means that consequential legislation has to he passed in India before the Act can come into operation.
§ Mr. LANSBURYDoes it mean then that if the Legislative Assembly does not do what this Government want it to do, the Viceroy will override the Legislative Assembly?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a hypothetical question.