PROBLEMS OF INDIA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 245, 16 October 1931, Page 7

PROBLEMS OF INDIA

DEALING WITH FINANCE PROPOSED EXPERT COMMITTEE [ British Official Wireless. ] Received Oct. 15, 8 p.m. RUGBY, Oct. 14. The Federal Structure Committee of die Indian Round Table conference further considered the report of its finance sub-committee and 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, shou.d make final decisions. During the interim special financial powers should be given the Governor in Council. Sir Akbar Hydari said that the States had not changed in their attitude and the Federation was still their goal, but it was essential that the States should know in advance their full implications in the Federal finance scheme. For this reason he opposed leaving it to the new Federal Government to set up an expert committee.

His Highness of Bikaner reiterated his faith in the Federation, but said they must know broadly the extent of their obligations. Sir Mirza Tsmail, Prime Minister of Mysore, urged the total abolition ot tributes from the Indian State.

Mr Gandhi recommended that the report bo referred back and the subcommittee asked, with the material at its disposal, to produce a minimum scheme to which the States could agree, defining, as far as possible, the sourco of revenue so that a start might .be made with the Federation. Shafaat Ahmed Khan was convinced the Federal scheme was not in danger as the financial proposal of the report afforded a substantial foundation for future Federation work. Expert franchise or other enquiries could be completed in twelve months and, in the meantime, existing conditions should continue. The expert committee should be appointed by the Crown and its report, together with those other enquiries, considered later on in India.