HC Deb 06 April 1936 vol 310 cc2390-1
2. Sir PATRICK HANNON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Indian Legislative Assembly to give notice to terminate the agreement signed at Ottawa in 1932 between the British Government and the Government of India; whether the Government of India intend to take action in accordance with this decision; and whether any action is contemplated by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom?

4. Mr. LEWIS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India have yet given notice to terminate the agreement signed at Ottawa between the British Government and the Government of India, in accordance with the recent decision of the Indian Legislative Assembly?

Mr. BUTLER

I am aware of the recent vote of the Legislative Assembly. In view of the undertakings given by the Government of India to the Legislative Assembly, it is presumed that the Government of India will in due course give formal notice of termination of the agreement. The next step lies with the Government of India.

Sir P. HANNON

Will His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom make representations to the Government of India?

Mr. BUTLER

I think that consideration will be borne in mind.

Mr. LEWIS

How soon will the hon. Gentleman be able to tell us when the Government of India have decided to give notice; and how much notice will have to be given?

Mr. BUTLER

The Government of India will have to give notice in the terms of their commitment to the Assembly after the result of the Assembly debate. I shall certainly try to keep the House informed when the Government of India take the decision.

Mr. LEWIS

Can the hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question as to the length of the notice which will have to be given?

Mr. BUTLER

I understand that it is six months.

Sir P. HANNON

In view of the great importance of this decision in the Assembly, will His Majesty's Government make representations to the Government of India as to the undesirability of taking this course?

Mr. BUTLER

The Government of India are already committed to the Assembly to give notice in view of the decision which the Assembly took.