HC Deb 09 May 1938 vol 335 cc1252-4W
Mr. White

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that in the Province of Orissa a civil servant of the same Province has been nominated to act as Governor during the absence of the Governor on leave; and whether he is satisfied that it is in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution of India Act that an official ordinarily subordinate to the Provincial Ministry should be placed even temporarily in a superior office?

Commander Marsden

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can say why the Governor of Orissa cancelled his leave; and can he make any general statement as to the political situation in Orissa?

Lord Stanley:

As soon as the Ministry in Orissa were informed of Sir J. Hubback's intended departure on leave and of the selection of Mr. Dain to act in his place, they at once represented to the Governor that they would find great difficulty in serving under Mr. Dain, who was actually serving as an officer of the Provincial Government and therefore subordinate to them. Shortly afterwards the Congress Central Working Committee adopted and published a resolution of protest on the same grounds and about the third week in April the Governor was formally notified by his Ministers that they intended to resign if Mr. Dain assumed charge. In these circumstances the Governor did not feel justified in leaving a temporary successor to deal with the situation of political instability which his departure on leave last week would certainly have created, and accordingly cancelled his arrangements. I gladly take this opportunity of expressing the great appreciation of my Noble Friend for this public spirited action at the sacrifice of his own convenience.

The difficulties of a Provincial Government in such circumstances are appreciated and they will not be lost sight of in making future appointments. This, however, does not imply any change in the Government's view as to the suitability of members of the Indian Services for Governorships whether temporary or otherwise. That view should be clear from the appointment of nine members of the Indian Civil Service during the past 14 months to acting or substantive Governorships.