§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is in a position to state whether the proposed Birdwood Committee to deal with the Sikh shrine reforms movement was actually appointed; what were the terms of reference; and if the proposed inquiry has broken down, and the reasons for same?
§ Mr. RICHARDSThe terms of reference were stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Bilston (Lieut.-Colonel Howard-Bury) on the 29th April, but the Committee was never actually appointed, as it proved impossible to arrive at an understanding with the Sikh members of the Legislative Council and secure satisfactory representation of all interests concerned.
§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Secretary of State has received any despatches from any of the Indian Provincial Governors with regard to the working of the reforms; and if these can be laid upon the Table of the House?
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§ Mr. RICHARDSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not, therefore, arise.