NOT HOSTILE

Evening Star, Issue 21967, 1 March 1935, Page 9

NOT HOSTILE

PRINCES AND INDIA BILL ONLY MINOR MAHERS AFFECTED Press Association —By Telegraph Copyright LONDON, February 28. The Bombay correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ learns that, though neither the princes nor the Ministers will commit themselves, the princes’ resolution does not connote an intention or a desire to recede from the principle of Federation. The proposed amendments could be incorporated in the Bill without affecting the structure. Sir Samuel Hoare’s speech rightly interpreted the princes’ position. The Delhi correspondent of ‘'l he Times’ says: “ It is still not clear why the princes considered it necessary to refer to .the unacceptability of the Bill when they desired only satisfaction on particular points. They have turned a matter of private arrangement into a public controversy.—-London ‘ Times cable. • IN THE COMMONS LABOUR AMENDMENT REJECTED. LONDON, February 27. , In the. House of Commons Mr Rhys Davies (Lab.) moved an amendment to the India Bill empowering the bederal Legislature to legislate on all questions of labour conditions for native States. Colonel Wedgwood (Lab.), supporting the amendment, said that without such a provision reactionary employers in British India would refuse industrial amelioration by a threat to remove factories to native States. Sir Samuel Hoare said the amendment would nob improve the conditions of the people in native States and would make Federation impossible, as the princes were only willing to accept Federal authority over certain subjects. The amendment was defeated by 234 votes to 75. LORO LINLITHGOW'S ASSURANCE ' (British Official Wireless.) Pr*ss Association —By Telegraph-Copyright RUGBY, February 28. (Received March 1, at 1 p.m.) The Marquess of Linlithgow, who is chairman of the Committee on Indian Constitutional Reform, speaking at Edinburgh, said he saw no reason to suppose that the Indian Princes difficulties could not be met without prejudice to the structure of the federal - scheme as a whole. He was fully confident that it would be found possible .r by amendment and further explanation to remove the doubts and misapprehensions which the Princes had expressed; ■ The plan of reform contained in the Bill had no rival whose claim would stand one moment’s examination.