INDIAN CONFERENCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 6, 6 December 1930, Page 9

INDIAN CONFERENCE

FEDERAL STRUCTURE COMMITTEE. BUSINESS-LIKE DISCUSSIONS. OPTIMISTIC SPIRIT. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) . (British Official Wireless.) Received December 6, 8.5 a.m. RUGBY, Dec. 5. _As a result of the discussion continued to-day in the Federal Srtucture Sub-Committee of the Indian Round Table Conference, it was deemed. to add provisionally the two important subjects of railways and maritime Customs to the list of subjects reported yesterday, which may tentatively be considered of common concern as between British India and the Indian States.

'the busmess-liko manner in which this committee is handling its task has stimulated the spirit of optimism in conference circles. It is understood tnat in its discussions there has been a complete absence of attempts to ignore mere debating points and a genuine and unanimous desire to help forward tlie work entrusted to the committee.

Tile same spirit showed itself in the Provincial Constitutional Sub-Commit-tee, which, under the chairmanship of the Foreign Secretary, held its first meeting to-day. Following the example set by Lord Sankey's Committee, it engaged in a g|en.oral dis.uissJion, from whlich a series of concrete questions was formulated, and will be taken as the basis for future procedure. Among these questions were the following: Is it impracticable to abolish the distinction between , reserved and transferred subjects, reserved questions in the provinces being those which rested in tne hands of the Government of India, and transferred subjects those which are placed under fhe control of provincial authorities? A further question formulated is: What, if any, provisions are necessary to safeguard, firstly, the administration of law and order; and, secondly, the rights of minorities or any other interests ? Although a special committee has been set up to deal with the minorities question, the position of minorities m any provincial constitution must of neoessity be considered by tbis committee wlricli in future will doubtless join forces as occasion requires with the Minorities Committee. Other questions propounded are: Should all special powers be exercised by the Governor, or should some be exercised by the executive as a whole ? Where should the Governor obtain the advice necessary for the exercise of his special powers ? Should any provision be made in the event of u breakdown in the normal Constitution ; and, if so, wliat emergency powers should be given, firstly, to the Governors: secondly, to the Executive; thirdly, wliat conditions should be requisite for the exercise of this power; fourthly, under what safeguards should they be exercised ? The committee charged with considering the conditions enabling Burma to be separated from India will bold its first meeting to-morrow, and it is probable that Lord Rusself will be chairman.