§ 13. Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTasked the Secretary of State for India the complete cost to the taxpayer and to the Indian Government, respectively, of the Round Table Conference?
§ Sir S. HOAREI cannot yet give complete figures, but the cost of the two sessions of the Indian Round Table Conference will probably be about £58,000, so far as the liability of the British taxpayer is concerned. The cost of the first session of the conference chargeable to Indian revenues was £47,228. I cannot yet give the actual cost to India of the second session, but it has been estimated at approximately £59,000.
§ 15. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Secretary of State for India whether any special steps are being taken to ensure publicity all over India of the labours of the three committees which are inquiring into matters arising out of the Round Table Conference; and whether summaries of their proceedings will be not only issued to the Press but distributed to civil servants and others in all districts in India?
§ Sir S. HOAREI can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the Government of India and I are fully alive to the desirability of securing widespread knowledge of the proceedings of the committees now at work in India, and that steps have been taken which I hope will keep the Press fully informed. But for such publicity we must rely on the Press. I fear the suggestion at the end of the question would be impracticable.
Brigadier-General BROWNIn view of the criticism that some of the delegates when they got back to India did not know what really occurred, will the right 463 hon. Gentleman urge the Government of India to give all the publicity that is necessary?
§ Sir S. HOAREI think we have made arrangements which will ensure the publicity which the hon. arid gallant Member desires.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSSeeing that so many newspapers are being suppressed, how is it possible for this information to be given?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe only newspapers suppressed are those which are actively hostile.