HC Deb 25 February 1929 vol 225 cc1546-7
11. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if the Government will set up a committee of inquiry for the purpose of inquiring into the alleged grievances of the subjects of the Native States of India.

Earl WINTERTON

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. THURTLE

In view of the responsibility of the Government for these matters and in view of the allegations of grievous maladministration in some of these States, do the Government not accept responsibility for inquiring into these questions?

Earl WINTERTON

That is a question which raises constitutional points of the greatest moment, but I must not be taken as accepting the premises in the hon. Member's question. Shortly, the answer is that the Government have no power to make a general inquiry into matters which lie exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Native States.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the Under-Secretary aware that serious allegations are being sent round to Members of this House, and would it not be fairer to all parties to investigate these allegations?

Earl WINTERTON

I do not think the hon. and gallant Gentleman heard my answer to this question. I said that the Government had no power to conduct a general inquiry into matters that lie exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Native States. The matter is very complicated and difficult and cannot he dealt with in answer to a question. The mere fact that accusations or complaints have been sent to Members of Parliament is no evidence that those complaints are justified. I receive all sorts of complaints which on examination are found to have no justification whatever.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it not a fact that progressive rulers welcome such inquiries to clear up matters?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Do I understand the Noble Lord to say that the Government are in a position to appoint a Commission to consider the grievances of the Princes, but they are not in a position to consider the grievances of their subjects?

Earl WINTERTON

It is impossible to give an answer upon matters of great constitutional moment in reply to supplementary questions, and I must be excused from doing so. The Government have no power to conduct such general inquiries as are suggested in the question. If specific cases are brought to the notice of the Government or the agents, the usual practice is to advise those in charge to conduct inquiries themselves.