§ 36. Miss RATHBONEasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to reply to the question asked by the hon. Member for the Combined Universities on 24th March, 1930, on 17th November, 1930, on 8th June, 1931, and on 13th July, 1931, as to what steps, if any, have been taken by the provincial governments to carry out the administrative measures recommended by the Joshi Committee as essential to the effective working of any legislation for the prevention of child marriage; and, if the information is not yet to hand, whether, in view of the fact that the Sarda Act has now been nominally in effect for three years, the information may be expedited?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Butler)The opinions of the local governments on the Joshi Committee's recommendations have been received by the Government of India and are under consideration. I have not yet received information regarding any steps taken by local governments to carry out the administrative measures recommended by the committee, and I will ask the Government of India if it is available.
§ Miss RATHBONEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a similar undertaking was given by his Department in November and on several previous occasions; and will he undertake to expedite the matter, as communications with India are normally slow?
§ Mr. BUTLERI have already undertaken to consult the Government of India. The hon. Member will notice that the opinions of the local governments on 2730 the Joshi Committee's recommendations are now being considered by the Government of India.