• On Monday in the Commons the second reading of
the Government of India Bill was taken. The Bill gives effect to the policy announced at the Delhi Durbar. Mr. Montagu explained that the first clause grants, with two provisos, the same powers to the new Governor of Bengal as are possessed by the Governors of Madras and Bombay. The second clause provides for an Executive Council for the new Province of Behar and Orissa. The third clause empowers the Viceroy to appoint a Legislative Council for a Province under a Chief Commissioner. This clause is to apply at once to Assam. Mr. Monta.gu said that it was the intention of the Government to establish another Legislative Council for the Central Provinces in accordance with their policy of devolution. Mr. Boner Law declared that though the Government policy had been received at first with enthusiasm it was now being subjected to much criticism. The Opposition did not mean, however, to oppose the second reading of the Bill because they recognized that the Government of India was not a suitable question for party contention. The Government had acted unconstitu- tionally in failing to consult Parliament and in using the King's prerogative. As for devolution, he held that India wee not yet ready for it. The Bill was ultimately referred to a Committee of the whole House.
Previous page
