GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 7 March 1935, Page 5

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATE. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. (United Press Association- By Electric Telegraph Copyright). LONDON, March 5. Mr Winston Churchill in the House of Commons to-day moved the adjournment of the committee debate on the India Bill on the ground that a report published in a London paper of the speeches of Princes at a meeting at Bombay -suggested the Bill needed remodelling. Sir Samuel Hoare replied that the Princes’ meeting was private. The proceedings, apart from the resolutions, were strictly confidential. Even if the published report was accurate it did not alter the fact that the differences could bo adjusted within the framework of the Bill. Mr Churchill withdrew his motion. Mr Grenfell moved the omission of the clause dealing with the Viceroy’s special responsibility regarding finance. He said that if financial authority were not invested in the Federal Government the Bill would not confer Dominion status on India. Sir Samuel Hoare replied that in the interest of India’s economic development it was essential that the Viceroy should have the special responsibility to prevent irresponsible action which would endanger India’s credit- and financial stability. Mr F. S. Cocks said that Mr Mom tagu Norman, chairman of the Bank of England, under the* Bill would be not only virtual king of England but also emperor of India. The amendment was defeated by 312 votes to 38.