HC Deb 06 March 1939 vol 344 c1770W
Mr. Jenkins

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will suggest to the Viceroy the publication of a statement describing the position, powers and general attitude of the residents in the native States with regard to democratic progress in those States?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The position and powers of residents in the Indian States and consequently their attitude towards democratic progress there are those of agents of the Viceroy as "His Majesty's Representative for the exercise of the functions of the Crown in its relations with Indian States." The attitude of the Paramount Power towards constitutional advance in the States was indicated in the reply on 16th December to my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne).