§ 2. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for India whether it is intended to set up the Joint Select Committee for drawing up a federal constitution for India before the end of the present year; whether any preliminary negotiations will be necessary with Indian organisations; and, if so, Whether they will take place in India, or in Great Britain?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe date of the setting up of the proposed Joint Select Committee must depend upon the rate of progress in preparing the material it will have to consider. I cannot commit myself to a date. I have nothing to add to the statement I made to the House on 27th June as to the procedure preliminary to the Joint Select Committee stage.
§ Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTMay we take it that touch will be kept with representative Indians who are prepared to assist in the administration of these difficult matters?
§ Sir S. HOARECertainly. I tried to make that as clear as possible in my statement the other day.