HC Deb 04 November 1929 vol 231 cc573-4
1. Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will make a statement of the policy of His Majesty's Government towards India?

6. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Secretary of State for India what are the intentions of the Government regarding a declaration of policy on the future of India?

The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)

I would refer the hon. Members to the statement by the Viceroy which was published on 1st November, since notice was given of these questions.

Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

Does the statement recently made on the Indian question by the First Commissioner of Works represent the policy of the Government, and had it the Government's authority behind it?

Mr. BENN

That question does not appear to be relevant.

HON. MEMBERS

Answer!

Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

Am I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman says that statements made by other Cabinet Ministers do not concern the Government at all, and that they are not relevant? Surely, it is of the utmost importance that we should know in this House whether statements made by Cabinet Ministers are to be relied upon and are accepted by the Government or not?

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot go into that matter on this question.

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