THE INDIA BILL

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21416, 7 March 1935, Page 13

THE INDIA BILL

Debate Continued lit ■ House of Commons* * ATTITUDE OP PRINCES ! DISCUSSED (UNITED PRE S3 ASSOCIATION —BY ELICTSIO TELEGRAPH —COPYRIGHT.) (Received March 6, 7.10 p.m.) LONDON, March 5. In the House of Commons Mr Winston Churchill moved the adjournment of the committee debate on the India Bill on the ground of a report published in a London paper of the speeches at the Princes' meeting in Bombay, which suggested that the bill needed remodeling. Sir Samuel Hoare (Secretary ol State for India) replied that the Princes' meeting was private. The proceedings apart from the resolutions, were strictly confidential. £ve n if the published report were accurate, it did not alter the fact that the differences could be adjusted within the framework of the bill. Mr Churchill withdrew his motion. Mr D. R. Grenfell (Labour) moved the omission of the clause dealing with the Viceroy's special responsibility for finance. He said if financial authority was 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 for the Viceroy to have a special responsibility to prevent irresponsible action which would endanger India's credit and financial stability. Mr F. S. Cocks (Labour) said that Mr Montagu Norman, the Governor of the Bank of England, the bill would bo not only the virtual King of England, but Emperor of India. The amendment was defeated by 312 votes to 38.