§ 1. Mr. W. A. Robinsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give any information about the conferences at Bombay on the question of the equipment of the armed forces of the States to take their part in a scheme of Imperial defence?
§ The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Colonel Llewellin)My Noble Friend has no information regarding the conferences referred to other than what has appeared in the Press.
§ 2. Mr. W. A. Robinsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the Congress Party's opposition to the armament policy of the Government, the expert committee which has been appointed to consider the military and financial aspects of the India defence problem will be instructed to discuss this matter with Indian leaders and to give consideration to their views?
§ Colonel LlewellinInvitations to give evidence have been issued to a number of Indian public men, including the leaders of the principal parties in the Legislative Assembly.
§ Mr. RobinsonConsidering the importance of the Congress Party's opposition to the Government's rearmament policy, will the hon. Gentleman press for an early meeting with the leaders of the Party to try to get the matter settled at an early date?
§ Colonel LlewellinAmong the invitations that have been issued to public men, have been invitations to the leaders of the Congress Party.
§ Colonel LlewellinNot as many as we would wish.
§ Major-General Sir Alfred KnoxIs not the question of defence definitely reserved?
§ Mr. RobinsonNot reserved—deserved.