§ 11. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for India 595 whether the delay in re-assembling the Bound Table Conference in this country is to be utilised to attempt further progress in India with the outstanding questions concerning the future of provincial governments; and, if so, what means are to be taken to assist in the settlement of such questions?
§ Mr. BENNThough of course many details affecting Provincial Constitutions remain to be settled, I am not aware of any fundamental outstanding questions affecting all Provinces which require discussion except problems such as communal difficulties and relations between Centre and Provinces which are essentially involved in the federal as well as in provincial constitutions.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas the procedure of calling a series of Round Table Conferences in India been considered, and could the intervening months be utilised in that way?
§ Mr. BENNThere is a great deal of work in process in India at the present time in connection with the conference. I do not know that it would be wise to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that otherwise we shall be discussing federation without knowing what the federal units are going to consist of?