FEDERATION THEIR GOAL

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1931, Page 7

FEDERATION THEIR GOAL

THE PLAN NOT IN DANGER

VIEWS OF INDIAN STATES ) I FINANCE INQUIRY URGED SELECTION OF EXPERTS British Wireless. Rec. 5.5 p.m. Rugby, Oct. 14. The Federal Structure Committee of the Indian Round Table Conference further considered the report of its finance sub-committee, and the discussion was adjourned until to-morrow. Sir Tej Sapru urged that the expert committee on finance contemplated in the report should be set up by the new Federal Government, which should take the final decisions. During the interim special financial powers should be given the Governor-General-in-Councjl. Sir Akbar Hydari said the States had not changed in their attitude and federation was still their goal, but it was essential the States should know in advance the full implications of the Federal finance scheme. For this reason he opposed leaving it to the new .Federal Government to set up the expert committee.

His Highness of Bikaner reiterated his faith in the federation, but they must know broadly the extent of their obligations. Sir Mirza Tsmail, Prime Minister of Mysore, urged the total abolition of tributes from the Indian States. Mr. Gandhi recommended that the report be referred back and the subcommittee be asked with material at its disposal to produce a minimum scheme, to which the States could agree, defining as far as possible the sources of revenue, so that a start might be made with federation. Shafaat Ahmed Kfian said he was convinced the federal scheme was not in danger as the financial proposals report afforded a substantial foundation for future federation work. Expert franchise or other inquiries could be completed in twelve months, and meantime existing conditions should continue. The expert committee should be appointed by the Crown, and its report, together with those of other inquiries, should be considered later on in India.