HC Deb 28 July 1930 vol 242 cc10-1
13. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information as to the results of the recent interview with Mahatma Gandhi by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru and Mr. Jayakar?

18. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the Secretary of State for India what progress has been made in the negotiations between Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru and Mr. Jayakar and Gandhi and other Congress leaders?

Mr. BENN

I regret that I am not in a position to make a statement.

Mr. BROCKWAY

May I ask whether it will be possible to arrange for a joint consultation between Mr. Gandhi, Pandit Motilal Nehru, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and the moderate leaders rather than being interviewed separately?

Mr. BENN

That is not really a matter for my decision here. It is a matter for the Indian Government.

Mr. BROCKWAY

Will the right hon Gentleman be prepared to inquire in India as to the possibility of such a conference?

Mr. BENN

I will note the hon. Member's suggestion and see that it is made known in the proper quarter.

Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

Would not an official conference with Gandhi while in prison be merely a confession of weakness on the part of the Government?