§ Mr. SPOORasked the Under-Secretary of State for India if any protests have been received by the Government of India from the Indian Association of Calcutta regarding the non-formation of an urban unit in that city of the Indian Territorial force; whether he can state the policy of the Government in the matter; and whether the recommendations of the Shea Committee are to be followed, and to what extent?
§ Earl WINTERTONI understand from a reply given in the Legislative Assembly that the answer to the first part is in the affirmative. The Shea Committee recommended that urban units should be raised in large centres, subject to the concurrence of the local Governments. Urban units are accordingly being raised in Madras, Bombay and the United Provinces. The Bengal Government did not recommend the formation of urban units in Bengal at present and the Government of India have accepted their view.
§ Mr. SPOORasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any action has been taken on the Report of the Auxiliary and Territorial Forces Committee; and whether he can state the proposals of the Government of India in connection therewith?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe Government of India announced on the 20th August last that the Committee's recommendations had in the main been accepted. I am sending the right hon. Gentleman a copy of the Report and of the Government of India's resolution, which shows the steps they are taking.