§ Mr. THURTLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India, if he is aware that the official members of the Indian Legislative Assembly propose to assist in defeating legislation at present before that Assembly for the purpose of raising the legal age of marriage in India; and if he will urge upon the Government of India the desirability of doing nothing to prevent the passage of this legislation?
§ Earl WINTERTONAs regards the first part of the question, my noble Friend is not aware of the intention alleged with respect to impending legislation. As regards the second part he sees no reason to take any action as suggested. The attitude of the Government of India has been fully explained in the Legislative Assembly, and has also been shown by their appointment of the important Committee which is inquiring into the state of the Law relating to the age of consent.