DECISION WELCOMED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18580, 14 December 1934, Page 6

DECISION WELCOMED

THE DEBATE ON INDIA CONCLUDING' STAGES (British Official Wireless.) Roc. 2 p.m. RUGBY, Dec. 13. After a three days’ debate, the House of Commons last night endorsed, by a decisive majority, the Government’s intention to introduce a bill for the revision of the Indian constitution on the general lines of the Joint 'Select. Committee’s report. Lengthy speeches were made during last night’s debate from all quarters of the House.

In the later stages, a vigorous attack on the report was made by Mr Winston Churchill, who declared that the Government’s policy was merely an abdication of Britain’s duty to the Indian masses, and that there was no unity in India apart from British rule.

He was followed by Sir Austen Chamberlain, who declared he had linen persuaded by common sense into supporting the report, which ho was convinced no section of Indians would boycott.

Mr George Lansliury, who during his speech contended that Indians had done enough during the year to deserve Dominion status, was followed by Mr Stanley Baldwin, who concluded the debate for the 'Government. He said that any alternative to the report was less likely to secure the welfare of the Indian masses than was the report itself. The result of the voting was greeted with cheers, not only by the Government supporters, but also by the Conservative right wing, who seemed to be pleased with the number of votes they received.