HC Deb 01 March 1945 vol 408 cc1548-9
30 and 31. Captain Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for India (1) whether the normal functioning of the Chamber of Princes, which was inaugurated by Royal Proclamation, has been interrupted since the resignations of the Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor and 19 members of the Standing Committee last December; and what steps are being taken or are proposed to expedite the holding of the Session of the Chamber of Princes which was postponed last December and to reestablish the functioning of the full machinery of the Chamber;

(2) whether his attention has been drawn to the statement issued by His Highness the Nawab of Bhopal on 17th December last to the effect that the Indian Princes had refrained from making a public statement indicating the reasons for their resignations from various offices in the Chamber of Princes because they did not wish to cause unnecessary embarrassment; and whether, in view of the desirability of resolving the present deadlock as early as possible, he will make an early statement in regard to further developments.

32. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for India if there have been any further developments concerning the resignations of office bearers of the Chamber of Princes; whether discussions have been or are intended to be held; and whether he has any further statement to make.

Mr. Amery

The answer to the first part of Questions Nos. 30 and 31 is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder, I am not in a position to make a statement at present, but hope to be able to do so before long.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Does the Minister appreciate that three months have now passed since he made a statement on this matter, and does he not think that we have enough trouble in India without allowing a breach like this to continue to widen? Does he realise that this matter involves over 100,000,000 people, who have been steadfastly loyal to the war effort, and ought he not to make an immediate effort to try and reach accommodation?

Mr. Amery

Yes, Sir, I am fully conscious of that situation, and I hope to be able to make a statement before long.