HC Deb 13 February 1933 vol 274 cc641-3W
Mr. D. ADAMS

asked the Secretary of State for India what action the Government of India propose to take with regard to the representations made to them for a statutory railway authority to be included in the new constitution?

Sir S. HOARE

The Government's proposals on this matter will be included in the White Paper which they hope to present in the near future, and I must ask to be excused from anticipating that document.

Mr. TINKER

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the report of the Bombay Reorganisation Committee recommending the creation of central boards, comprising Departmental heads and, administrative officers in the several Departments of administration; and whether Tie will take steps to see that no such innovation is introduced into provincial administration until such time as the Legislatures under the new constitution have been able to consider the matter?

Sir S. HOARE

I hare received a copy of the report in question, but I am not aware what action the Bombay Government proposes to take upon the recommendations contained in it. I see no reason why action upon proposals designed to secure economy and greater efficiency should be postponed until after the introduction of the new constitution.

Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Indian' States have yet agreed on the terms on which they will enter into a federal constitution for India; and whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed', with their proposals for federation if the princes agree or not?

Sir S. HOARE

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to paragraph 4 of the report made to the Third Round Table Conference on the Form, of States' Instruments of Accession, 'printed on page 87 of Command Paper 4238, and as regards the second part to the relevant passages of my speech printed on page 141 of the same Paper, to which at present I have nothing to add.

Mr. REMER

asked the Secretary of State for India on what date the separation of Sind is likely to take effect?

Sir S. HOARE

No, Sir?, I cannot give any date. The intention is that the establiahment of Sind as a separate province should be accomplished as part of the general constitutional changes for which proposals are shortly to be laid before Parliament.

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