§ 64. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether Lord Wavell is likely to return to India in the near future; whether any conclusions have been reached in conversations with him respecting political and economic developments in India; and whether he can now make a general statement on the matter and the question of releasing political prisoners.
§ Mr. AmeryI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne) on 29th May.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that there is great anxiety about this matter, in this House as well as outside? Cannot we have some indication at some time as to the nature of the conversations with Lord Wavell, and whether any progress was made towards economic and political developments in India?
§ Mr. AttleeDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend to make any statement before the Dissolution?
§ Mr. SorensenIs it intended to have a discussion on this matter before the House finishes?
§ Mr. AmeryYes, I understand that, if there is a statement, there will be some opportunity for Debate.
§ Mr. A. BevanAre we to understand that the Leader of the House must give permission to the right hon. Gentleman before he can make a statement on policy? Surely, this is not a matter which involves legislation, and it is entirely in the hands of the right hon. Gentleman whether he makes a statement or not?
§ Mr. AmeryI naturally left the announcement of Business to the Leader of the House, but I understand that there will be an opportunity.
§ Mr. AttleeI was not asking about an opportunity for a Debate, which, of course, will be a matter for the Leader of the House, but whether the right hon. Gentleman, as Secretary of State, was going to make a statement?