45. Lieut. - Colonel Sir ARNOLD WILSONasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statement made by Sir George Schuster on 20th April in which he treated the question of federation in the new constitution as res judicata; and whether, in view of the pledge given by the Lord President of the Council that the future constitution of India is to be regarded as sub judice until after the Report of the Joint Select Committee of Parliament, Sir George Schuster's statement has the approval of His Majesty's Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)I have only a telegraphic press summary of Sir George Schuster's speech on the 20th April. It is well known both in India and here that the nature of the reforms depends upon the decision of Parliament, and I can see nothing in the Finance Member's speech which could be taken as pre-judging that decision.
§ Sir A. WILSONWhile thanking the Prime Minister for that reply, I would ask whether he realises and sympathises with the embarrassment caused to men 13 in this country and in India who have been at pains to suspend judgment on matters now before the Joint Select Committee by provocative statements made towards the end of their term of office by high officials, who are of necessity in the closest touch with the Viceroy?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I say, I have only had a telegraphic summary of the speech, and in that I do not see anything that would really justify the words and the implied censure of my hon. and gallant Friend.