HL Deb 18 December 1919 vol 38 cc439-40

Order of the Day for the Third Reading read.

THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (LORD SINHA)

I beg to move that this Bill be now read a third time.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 3a— (Lord Sinha.)

THE EARL OF SELBORNE

My Lords, before the Bill receives a Third Reading I should like to congratulate my noble friend Lord Sinha upon the way in which he has carried this Bill through the House.

NOBLE LORDS

Hear, hear.

THE EARL OF SELBORNE

And also on the fact that it has fallen to his lot to be Under-Secretary for India at this particular moment. I think he is the first British subject of Indian race who has been a member of this House, and that he should have taken his seat here at this juncture, with the object of carrying this Bill through the House with the skill that he has displayed, is a landmark in the connection between the British Parliament and India. I can only express the hope that my noble friend will be spared for many years to serve his own country at home in making this Bill that great success which all the friends of India and of this country pray for it.

On Question, Bill read 3a.

LORD SINHA

My Lords, in moving that this Bill do pass, may I be allowed to thank the noble Earl for the very kindly reference he has made to me.

Moved, That the Bill do pass. (Lord Sinha.)

On Question, Bill passed, and returned to the Commons.