§ 57. Sir A. KNOXasked the Under-Secretary of State for India the names of the members of the expert body to investigate the financial situation in India, which it has been decided to appoint immediately after the Government of India Bill becomes law; and by what date this expert body will be instructed to report?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Butler)I regret that I am not at present in a position to make any statement upon the subject beyond saying that the matter is receiving the careful consideration of my Noble Friend.
§ Sir A. KNOXWhen will the hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement, in view of the fact that the inquiry has been promised immediately after the passing into law of the Act?
§ Mr. BUTLERI am sure the hon. and gallant Gentleman will agree with me that it is important to come to the very best decision on the subject. Consistently with that, my Noble Friend will come to a decision as soon as he can and I will let the House know, if possible before it rises. If not, the hon. and gallant Gentleman will understand that the matter has not had time to mature.
§ Sir A. KNOXWill the report, when ready, be considered by Parliament before issuing the Order in Council?
§ Mr. BUTLERThis is an inquiry which the Government will send to India in order to obtain the necessary information. Before the inquiry is made it will not be necessary to consult Parliament on the subject beyond informing Parliament that the position is being inquired into.
§ Sir A. KNOXWill not the report be published?
§ Mr. BUTLERCertainly.