HC Deb 16 February 1931 vol 248 cc846-7
3. Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is yet in a position to make any statement as to His Majesty's Government's plans for carrying on the work of the Round Table Conference?

Mr. BENN

I regret I am not able yet to make a precise statement.

Mr. FREEMAN

As almost all previous negotiations with India have been characterised by delay, will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to prevent delay on this occasion?

Mr. BENN

We are working very hard upon it.

Sir HUGH O'NEILL

May I ask whether any communications have taken place between His Majesty's Government and the Viceroy about the interview between the Viceroy and Mr. Gandhi?

Mr. BENN

There is a subsequent question on that matter.

5. Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information with regard to the attitude of the Congress party towards the Round Table Conference proposals?

Mr. BENN

I can add nothing to what has appeared in the Press.

46. Mr. BRACKEN

asked the Prime Minister whether he will be prepared to give the House an early opportunity of examining and discussing the safeguards which are to be inserted into the proposed federal constitution for India?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

A full debate on the proceedings of the Round Table Conference took place as recently as 26th January, and I do not think a useful purpose would be served by further discussion at the present stage.

Mr. BRACKEN

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that no categorical statement regarding these safeguards was made in that Debate; and is it not in the interests of both England and India, that we should have a plain statement now?

The PRIME MINISTER

The reply is in the negative.

Mr. FREEMAN

Is this not a matter which primarily affects India; and is it not, therefore, much better to wait until India has expressed her view?