HC Deb 06 April 1937 vol 322 cc35-8
27. Mr. Morgan Jones (for Mr. D. Grenfell)

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any statement to make regarding the position of affairs in India?

The Under-Secretary of State for India (Mr. Butler)

Provincial Autonomy came into operation on 1st April. As hon. Members will be aware, however, the leaders of the Congress party, in the six Provinces where that party was expected to command a majority in the Legislature, have declined invitations to form the Ministries, which have accordingly been formed from other parties. The Congress party was prepared to accept office only if its leaders in the Provinces in ques- tion were (to quote the terms of the Congress Resolution) satisfied and able to state publicly that the Governor would not use his special powers of interference or set aside the advice of his Ministers in regard to their constitutional activities. Provincial Governors with the full approval of the Governor-General and of my Noble Friend, declined to give any undertaking in regard to the use of the powers conferred upon them by the Act and the obligations imposed upon them by their Instructions issued with the approval of Parliament. But the Governors offered, subject to their obligations, the fullest assurances of sympathy and support to any Ministry which might be formed. The Congress leaders were, unfortunately, unable to accept such assurances as adequately fulfilling the requirements prescribed by the all-India Congress Committee.

As regards the situation on the North-West Frontier, considerable unrest continues in the northern part of Waziristan. On 29th March units which were protecting the passage of a convoy on the road between Bannu and Razmak were attacked by large forces of tribesmen, whom they repulsed with heavy losses. I regret, however, to say that a number of casualties were inevitably sustained by our forces in this action, and the House would wish to express its sympathy with the relatives of those who lost their lives. The local political, military and air authorities are working in close collaboration in dealing with the situation and the Commander-in-Chief has himself gone to Peshawar.

Mr. Morgan Jones

Arising out of the first part of the reply, with reference to Provincial Ministries, may we have an assurance that the Viceroy will take some steps in order to arrive at an amicable agreement between himself and the Provincial Governors and the persons concerned so as to avoid any possible deadlock in future?

Mr. Butler

The hon. Member may take it that the Viceroy has the matter very closely under consideration and regrets what has happened.

Mr. T. Williams

Are the Provincial Governors keeping in close touch with the majority parties in the hope of providing the certainty that the Provincial Parliaments will be carried on?

Mr. Butler

As the hon. Member knows, the Provincial Governors have had conversations with the leaders of the Congress party. When the leaders of the Congress party in the Legislature were unable to come to an agreement with them, they naturally sought Ministries elsewhere. That is the situation at present.

Mr. Lansbury

Will the hon. Gentleman represent to his Noble Friend the fact that there is some disagreement as to what has caused the breakdown in setting up these Provincial Governments in the ordinary way, and therefore, as it is now something which concerns not one Province but a number of them, will not the Viceroy take some special measures to consult with the Congress leaders as to whether a way out cannot be found in order that the Constitution may start fairly and with some measure of agreement?

Mr. Butler

If the Viceroy were to receive such a request from the Congress leaders, I feel sure he would give it every consideration.

Mr. Lansbury

As the Viceroy is in the stronger position, would it not be a graceful thing—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] I ask permission to repeat the question: As the Viceroy is in the stronger position, does he not consider it wise to make the approach?

Mr. Butler

I can only repeat, for my part, what I have just said.

Mr. Morgan Jones

Is it not the duty of the Governor-General to see that the King's Government is properly carried on, and, therefore, is it not his duty to take the initiative?

Mr. Macquisten

Should not these questions be addressed to the leaders of the Congress party?

Mr. Benn

Inasmuch as the Viceroy, under the Statute, acts under the direction

of the Secretary of State, will the Secretary of State make it known to the Viceroy that he would welcome some consultation which might avert a breakdown in the Constitution?

Mr. Butler

My Noble Friend will make a statement on this subject on Thursday.

Mr. Lansbury

On a point of Order. If a statement is to be made in another place, on this important subject, ought we not to have a similar statement in this House on Thursday?

Mr. Butler

As hon. Members know, I am always ready to give any information that I have to the House and to be interrogated at any time.

Mr. Lansbury

Will it be possible to have a similar statement to that which is to be made in the other place, if a question is put down?

Mr. Butler

If the right hon. Gentleman puts down such a question, I shall be only too pleased to answer it.