§ 3. Mr. Thurtleasked the Under-Secretary of State for India the procedure by which persons whose names are to be sub- 1778 mitted as suitable to fill vacancies in the Governorships of Indian Provinces are chosen; how long this procedure has been in existence; and whether any regard is had to the religious beliefs of these persons?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for India (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)Appointments to Governorships in India are made by His Majesty on the recommendation of the Secretary of State for India, who takes such action as he considers appropriate in each case before submitting his recommendation.
§ Mr. ThurtleWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman answer the last part of the question and say whether any regard is had to the religious beliefs of these persons?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadOf course, my Noble Friend in any advice which he may submit to His Majesty has regard to the general fitness of the person who is being considered. This necessarily involves consideration of a number of factors, which I do not think it would be possible for me to detail in answer to a question.
§ Mr. ThurtleIs there any significance in the fact that two Governors recently appointed have been Roman Catholics? Is that the result of any change?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadNo, Sir, the hon. Gentleman may be assured that there is no particular significance to be attached to that fact.
§ Mr. LoganIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied that the two persons appointed in those cases were fit persons—that they were truthful and honest?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI think that both persons are truthful and honest.