§ 50. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the (message of the First Commissioner of Works to Indian comrades and friends; whether it represents the policy of His Majesty's Government; and, if so, for what reason it was not issued under the authority of the Secretary of State for India?
§ 48. Mr. HANNONasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the message addressed to the people of India by the First Commissioner of Works; and whether this message represents the policy of His Majesty's Government?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Philip Snowden)The statement referred to was made by my right hon. Friend as a personal appeal and contains nothing inconsistent with Government policy.
§ Sir KINGSLEY WOODWas the Secretary of State for India consulted before this message was sent?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI think that that is a question which might be addressed to the Secretary of State for India. I am answering for the Prime Minister.
§ Sir K. WOODMay I ask the Secretary of State for India?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)The statement made by the First Commissioner of Works has my entire approval, and it has made an excellent impression in India.
§ Sir WILLIAM MITCHELL-THOMSONShall we have the advantage of hearing the First Commissioner of Works explain it in the discussion tomorrow?
§ Mr. SKELTONMay we take it that the Indians like these expressions of the right hon. Gentleman's love more than the people of this country do?
§ Captain MACDONALDMay I ask why this question was not answered by the Minister to whom it was addressed, as the answer which I have received is quite unsatisfactory?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI do not quite understand the reason for the hon. and gallant Member's question. I stated that I was answering the Prime Minister's questions in his unavoidable absence.