§ VISCOUNT ELIBANK had given Notice that he would move to resolve, That in the opinion of this House it is essential, more especially in the grave circumstances which exist to-day, that no reform in in the Constitution of the Indian Empire shall impair the authority of the Imperial Parliament over such vital matters as finance, defence and foreign affairs; and further that it is essential that any reform shall secure absolutely fair treatment of British trade.
§ The noble Viscount said: My Lords, since I placed my Motion on the Paper I have been following very carefully the proceedings in the Round-Table Conference and I have come to the conclusion that probably this is not an opportune moment to raise the Motion. Therefore, with your Lordships' leave, I propose to postpone that Motion until another day. At the same time I feel that perhaps some apology may be due from me to any of your Lordships who may have attended this afternoon at some inconvenience to themselves to take part in this debate. I hope that in the circumstances I shall be forgiven and that your Lordships will allow me to postpone this Motion.