61. Mr. WARD LAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for India whether the committee of officials presided over by the Lord Chancellor is engaged in drawing up a constitution for India; and when it. is likely to complete its labours?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Sir Samuel Hoare)The Committee is engaged, for the assistance of a Cabinet Committee, in working out in detailed and technical form the general statements of policy made to the Round Table Conference by the Prime Minister on behalf of His Majesty's Government and approved by this House; in so doing it is taking into account the conclusions of the Consultative and other Committees which have been sitting in India since the last session of the Conference. Its work is of a preparatory nature and will continue so long as the Cabinet requires assistance of this kind.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEDoes not my right hon. Friend think that there is very great danger in the statement which has been made in the public Press by the Lord Chancellor to the effect that he is drafting a constitution for India?
§ Sir S. HOARENo, Sir; I do not think that there is any misunderstanding upon this point at all. The Committee is of a purely advisory kind. It is one of the regular routine committees of which every Cabinet avails itself.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEWill my right hon. Friend in those circumstances make his answer perfectly plain in India, because at present the position is that these matters have been circulated to the effect that the Lord Chancellor is drawing up a constitution?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am obliged to my hon. Friend for giving me an opportunity of making this statement. I think it will ensure publicity both in India and here.
§ 62. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for India when he will be able to make a statement of the Government's future policy in connection with India?
§ Sir S. HOAREIf my hon. Friend refers to constitutional policy, I would remind him that the policy of His Majesty's Government was very fully debated 1289 some months ago. It stands un-changed, and I am unable to say when the occasion for bringing it before the House again will arise.