4. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary of State for India if he will give a statement showing the cost of the administrative machine in India in 1908, 1920, and 1930, indicating what proportion of any increase which the figures may show is due to the introduction of reforms; and if he will furnish the House with any estimates of the total cost likely to be involved in the constitutional changes now under discussion?
§ Sir S. HOAREI would refer my noble Friend to detailed estimates of the additional cost involved in the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms, which were printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT Of 30th June, 1922. I am not at present in a position to furnish estimates of the probable cost of the changes now under discussion.
Duchess of ATHOLLDoes not my right hon. Friend think this question is of such outstanding importance that it is very desirable that an estimate should be furnished?
§ Sir S. HOARECertainly, but my Noble Friend will see that it is quite impossible to make any estimate until we know what changes we are going to make.
§ Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXBut have not certain expenses already been incurred in setting up the North-West Frontier Province; and has not that involved increased expenditure?
§ Sir S. HOAREMy, hon. and gallant Friend had better put that question down.