§ 50 and 51. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for India (1) whether he will state 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?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)The Governor-General informs me that the conversations which have been proceeding at Delhi concluded satisfactorily last night. The Governor-General proposes to issue an early statement as to the present position, which statement I will take the first opportunity of communicating to this House.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether there is any truth in the newspaper statements that people who illicitly made salt are now to be allowed to make it?
§ Mr. BENNI would ask the hon. Gentleman and the House to await my full statement. In the meantime, I would advise the hon. Member, if I might, to accept with the greatest reserve the statements in some newspapers.
§ Mr. FOOTMight I ask if in these conversations the Princes have taken part as well as the other returned members of the Bound-Table Conference?
§ Mr. BENNThat is rather a different question. My answer refers to the conversations which have taken place between Mr. Gandhi and the Viceroy.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the desirability in his complete statement—[HON MEMBERS: "Order!"] On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, I was desiring to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he would let the House and the country know when he makes his statement what was intended by "peaceful picketing." I think it is desirable that we should know what peaceful picketing means.
§ Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXWill any agreement made between the Viceroy and Mr. Gandhi be subject to ratification by Parliament?