6. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary of State for India if the Government of India have taken any steps to ascertain the views of the various sections of the people of British India or of Government servants, British or Indian, on the proposed constitutional changes and, if so, if he will publish the result of any such inquiry?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Sir Samuel Hoare)Ever since 730 the Round Table Conference started there have been abundant opportunities for ascertaining the views of the various interested parties, whether official or nonofficial, whether British or Indian, on the proposed changes and I think that these views have been adequately placed before the public and before Parliament. These opinions are being further elucidated in the course of evidence before the Joint Select Committee. Civil Servants at present serving are not as such being asked to give evidence on matters of policy.
Duchess of ATHOLLMay I ask if it is not the case that last summer a Blue Paper embodying questions along the line of those in the question was circulated in British India; and, if that was the case, will the right hon. Gentleman publish the result of the questionnaire?
§ Sir S. HOAREI do not know of any such paper.
Duchess of ATHOLLWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly ascertain if such an inquiry was sent out; and, if so, also summaries of the replies?
§ Sir S. HOAREIf the Noble Lady means was such an inquiry sent out by the India Office, my answer is "no."
§ Sir S. HOAREIn that case my answer is equally, "no."
§ Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXIs it not grossly improper for Members of the Government to quote the opinions of certain members of the Civil Service without ascertaining their opinions?
§ Sir S. HOAREThat question does not arise out of the answer or out of the question on the Paper.