§ 45 and 46. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Prime Minister (1) what is the character of the financial assistance which he proposes should be given to the Government of India;
(2) If he proposes to formulate any conditions under which financial assistance is proposed to be given to the Government of India?
47. Sir N. STEWART SANDEMANasked the Prime Minister what form the proposed financial assistance to India will take?
§ 48. Mr. BRACKENasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on Indian finance, and particularly as to whether the Government's prospective guarantee extends to the principal and interest of all Indian Government securities; whether any payments or other benefits will be secured to Great Britain in return for the guarantee; and whether His Majesty's Government have set any limit to the contingent liability they have undertaken?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)I can add nothing to the answer which I gave on 26th June last in reply to a Private Notice Question by the right hon. Gentleman, the Member for Hendon (Sir P. Cunliffe-Lister). Unless and until the need for financial support arises, it would be premature to consider the character that the financial assistance might take or the conditions to be attached to it.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to extend the system of giving financial undertakings in the hope that the undertakings will not have to be met?
§ Mr. BRACKENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the stock exchanges throughout the whole world are dealing under the impression that his statement defiaitely commits the British Government to guarantee these various Indian securities?
§ Mr. SPEAKERMr. Homer.
§ Mr. BRACKENI have asked a question. May I not expect the courtesy of a reply?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt does not always follow that hon. Members get replies to supplementary questions.