§ 37. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether the proposal to concentrate the whole of the Government of India in India itself after the war is being associated with any other political or constitutional proposals for the future Government of India; and whether special consultations on such proposals are now taking place, or are likely to take place, in the near future?
§ The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)The hon. Member is presumably referring to a recent description by my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for India of the nature of Dominion Status, which is the declared goal of 1100 British policy in India. There has been no new proposal such as is implied in the first part of the Question, and the remainder of the Question therefore does not arise.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that, in existing circumstances, a fresh and vigorous attempt should be made to meet the very serious situation which is developing in India; and will he therefore at least indicate when he can make some pronouncement on the matter?
§ Sir A. KnoxIs it not undesirable to raise this question during the war, in which the Indian troops are doing very well indeed? We do not want to raise dissension now.
§ Mr. SorensenDo not many of the Indian troops want a vigorous measure of self-government?