§ 9. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the many preliminary discussions and agreements that are necessary before all parties in India are ready to come to the round-table Conference, he still proposes to hold this on 20th October; will he consider the postponement of the Conference till December; and whether he can now state what is the composition of the British representation on the Conference?
§ 12. Mr. FREEMANasked the Secretary of State for India who will be the British and Indian representatives, or how they will be selected, to attend the round-table Conference on Indian affairs called for the autumn, and where it will be held?
§ Mr. BENNIn his statement of the 12th May the Viceroy contemplated that the delegates would assemble in London about the 20th October and that the Conference would begin its work on the conclusion of the Imperial Conference. I see no reason to, modify this time-table. I can make no further statement at present as to the selection of delegates or the detailed arrangements for the Conference.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that a little over two months is sufficient for the very important conversations that will take place before the Conference assembles, in order to make it a success?
§ Mr. WELLOCKIs the Secretary of State not aware that public opinion in India is strongly opposed to a three-party representation?
§ Miss RATHBONEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the statement in the Simon Report, that the women movement may hold the keystone to progress, and in view of the great social evils which exist, if he will consider—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question is too long to be answered now.
§ Mr. FREEMANCan the Secretary of State give the House an assurance that the statement of the Viceroy last October that at the round-table Conference the Indian representatives would meet His Majesty's Government and not merely political parties will be adhered to?