§ 10. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the size of the adverse vote of the Congress at Lahore on the resolution deploring the attempt on Lord Irwin's life and in view of the threats of civil disobedience and the existence of an active movement for independence, he is taking any special steps to uphold law and order in that country?
§ Mr. BENNI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Governor- 1472 General's recent statement to the Legislative Assembly, to which I have nothing to add.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the resolution of the Central Moslem Association, which states that it is incumbent on all those who abhor bloodshed and anarchy to take every possible step to see that these ideas are not being preached in the villages; and is he not going to do anything in regard to the matter?
§ Mr. BENNI think that the Viceroy's statement covers those points, and I do not intend to add anything to it.
Earl WINTERTONMay we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that he accepts the position that his responsibility is to this House and not to the Viceroy, and that the Viceroy's responsibility is not to this House but to the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. BENNOf course, the Noble Lord knows better than anyone that the Viceroy's speech in the Legislative Assembly was prepared in consultation with me and my office.