asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will now make a statement regarding his conversations with the Viceroy during his recent visit to this country.

I expect to be in a position to make a statement before the House rises, probably on the Wednesday of next week.

As a result of that statement, will there be a Debate in the House?

I understand it will be a matter for discussion through the usual channels.

Surely if the right hon. Gentleman is going to make a statement upon a matter on which both sides of the House are interested, we should be told that, without question, there will be an opportunity to discuss it? Is he aware that there is a growing distaste of the habit of Ministers making statements without the House having an opportunity of discussing them?

That is a matter for the Leader of the House.

As the statement will be made next Wednesday and there are only two days and part of a day left, is there any likelihood of a Debate taking place?

It is a matter for the hon. Members' Friends to consider and raise through the usual channels.

Surely, the right hon. Gentleman wants to initiate a Debate himself?

Is it not of vital importance at this moment that we should discuss this openly in the House? Every question that is asked, which is against the British Government, concerning powers which they do not possess is multiplied and magnified all over the world.