§ 3 and 4. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for India (1) the result of the interview granted by the Viceroy to Mr. Gandhi;
(2) whether he can now make a statement as to the political position in India as a result of the consultations between the Indian members of the Round Table Conference and the leaders of the Congress party?
§ 5. Mr. FREEMANasked 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?
§ 8. Major GRAHAM POLEasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is in a position to make a statement in rgard to the discussions between the Viceroy and Mr. Gandhi and certain Indian political leaders at New Delhi?
§ 12. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for India if he is now in a position to tell the House the result of the interviews which took place between the Viceroy and Mr. Gandhi?
The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Bonn)As the conversations are still proceeding, I am not at present able to make any statement. Needless to say, I will seek the earliest possible opportunity of giving the House information.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEWhile we are anxious that these conversations should be successful, may I ask whether sufficient time has not been given for some kind of co-operation in reply to the very generous offer made to them at the Round Table Conference, and whether, in the circumstances, these conversations are not doing rather harm?
§ Mr. BENNI will ask the House to exercise a little patience. Needless to say, I am anxious for the earliest possible sign of co-operation.
§ Captain MACDONALDAre these negotiations being conducted on the advice of His Majesty's Government or entirely on the initiative of the Viceroy?
§ Mr. BENNThe hon. and gallant Member does not understand the position. The responsibility for Indian policy rests on these benches.
§ Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXAre not these conversations having a disastrous effect on our prestige?
§ Mr. FREEMANAre the principal points at issue still the Salt Tax, picketing and the alleged brutality of the police?