§ 2. Mr. Caryasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that in more than one Province the creation of new Provinces is being urged; and whether he can indicate the attitude of His Majesty's Government in relation to this matter?
Lord StanleyYes Sir. In reply to the second part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that, under the Government of India Act, 1935, the initiative in the matter of the creation of new Provinces rests with the Crown. I would also invite his attention to the observations of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary when this provision of the Act, then Clause 272 of the Bill, was under discussion on 9th April, 1935. My Noble Friend is in full accord with his predecessor in this matter and would not regard it as in the interests of India to embark upon a policy of creating new Provinces at the present time.