HL Deb 17 December 1919 vol 38 cc362-3

Amendments reported (according to Order).

Clause 41:

Statutory commission.

41.—(1) At the expiration of ten years after the passing of this Act the Secretary of State, with the concurrence of both Houses of Parliament, shall submit for the approval of His Majesty the names of persons to act as a commission for the purposes of this section.

(2) The persons whose names are so submitted, subject to the approval of, and to any alterations made by Parliament, shall be a commission for the purpose of inquiring into the working of the system of government, the growth of education, and the development of representative institutions, in British India, and matters connected therewith, and the commission shall report as to whether and to what extent it is desirable to establish the principle of responsible government, or to extend, modify, or restrict the degree of responsible government then existing therein, including the question whether the establishment of second chambers of the local legislatures is or is not desirable.

(3) The commission shall also inquire into and report on any other matter affecting British India and the provinces, which may be referred to the commission by the Secretary of State.

VICOUNT MIDLETON formally moved, in subsection (2), to leave out "subject to the approval of and to any alterations made by Parliament," and insert if approved by His Majesty, "and at the end of subsection (3), to leave out" the Secretary of State "and insert" His Majesty."

Amendments moved— Clause 41, page 29, line 16, leave out from ("submitted") to ("shall") in line 17, and insert ("if approved by His Majesty") Clause 41, page 29, line 29, leave out ("the Secretary of State") and insert ("His Majesty").—(Viscount Midleton.)

LORD SINHA

I accept the Amendments.

On Question, Amendments agreed to.

Second Schedule:

LORD SINHA

I have a manuscript Amendment which is purely drafting.

On Question, drafting Amendment agreed to.

Bill to be read 3a to-morrow.