asked the Under-Secretary whether the Government is taking any and, if so, what steps to carry out the recommendations contained in the Lee Commission Report; whether these recommendations require consideration by the Indian Legislature before the issue of Orders; and whether the Government of India will be instructed to introduce the financial reforms recommended at the earliest possible date?

No final orders will be passed until the Report has been discussed by the Indian Legislature in its September Session, but the necessary preliminary work is meanwhile being pressed on with all possible speed both here and in India. As regards the last part of the question, I have already stated, and the Government of India have stated in their Legislature, that any financial relief ultimately sanctioned will have effect from 1st April, 1924.

Is it not the case that the Secretary of State has power, independently of the Legislative Council, to carry out the scheme proposed by the Commission?

I believe that is so.