§ Mr. T. Williamsasked the Under-Secretary of State for India in which of the Indian States measures of democratisation have taken place or have been promised; and whether, in view of the Viceroy's statement that His Majesty's Government would not initiate constitutional advance in the States, he will follow up this statement by recommending such advance to the Provinces, in suitable cases, in order to meet the objection felt by Congress leaders to the Federation of British India with autocratic States?
§ Colonel LlewellinWith regard to the first part of the question my Noble Friend is not in a position to supply complete information. In many States representative institutions have existed for some time. The recent grant or further development of such institutions has been announced in others.
With regard to the second part, the hon. Member has apparently seen an inaccurate report of the Viceroy's speech. What His Excellency said was that the Paramount Power will not obstruct proposals for constitutional advance initiated by the Rulers. With regard to the policy of His Majesty's Government in this matter I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on Friday, 16th December, to my hon. Friend the Member for the Kidderminster Division of Worcestershire (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne).