British Interests

11.

Mr. J. Langford-Holt
asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what arrangements are being made to safeguard British trading and business interests in India after June, 1948.

Mr. A. Henderson
This question is under consideration.

Mr. Langford-Holt
Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell us whether this question will be incorporated in a treaty, and if so, by whom it will be made, by one authority or a series of authorities?

Mr. Henderson
No, Sir, I am not able to go beyond the terms of the statement I have just made.

Mr. Walter Fletcher
Will the Under-Secretary of State see that no action is taken aimed directly at firms of this type?

Mr. Henderson
I think the hon. Gentleman may take it that we shall seek to take the steps required to protect the legitimate interests of the trading community.

Sir Patrick Hannon
Will the different schemes of reconstruction now in progress in the Indian States receive the attention of His Majesty's Administration?

Mr. Henderson
That is an entirely different question.