§ Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Sub-Rule A of Rule 2, Schedule 6, Regulations 2 and 3, for the nomination of electors of additional members of the Legislative Council of the Governor-General require that landholders qualifying for inclusion in the electoral roll shall possess an annual income of not less than Rs. 15,000 derived from land situated in their province or presidency; whether he is aware that the Government of India so interprets this rule as not to require deduction of interest on mortgages from the annual income in deciding the property qualification, in consequence of which a gentleman was declared qualified whose actual income was about Rs.6,000, or £400 a year, a wholly insufficient qualification for a member of the electoral roll of landholders; that the object of the rule is defeated if a moneylender or other person can qualify by purchasing an estate with a rent-roll of Rs. 15,000 with borrowed money for the purpose of obtaining a vote; and whether the Secretary of State will review the ruling of the Government of India in this matter?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe question of the interpretation of this rule has not previously been brought to the notice of the Secretary of State. Inquiry will be made.