Mr. Davidson:

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has now considered the letter sent to him by the Glasgow Trades Council, asking for the reopening of negotiations with representatives of India; and what reply he has sent?

I have received the letter in question and am replying that the attitude of His Majesty's Government in this connection was clearly stated on 28th April by my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Privy Seal and myself.

Mr. Davidson:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this organisation represents a considerable volume of industrial opinion, and, therefore, will he, in his reply, give a definite assurance that nothing will be allowed to stand in the way of further negotiations and that no approaches will be refused by His Majesty s Government?

The statement already made shows that I shall always be willing to listen to suggestions made within the framework of our previous proposals by any representative body of public opinion.

But the question is whether the Government themselves are doing anything to reopen negotiations?

No, Sir.

Does not the Minister consider that the recent statement of Mr. Gandhi affords a new opportunty of an approach from this country, with a view to getting a settlement of this matter?