25 JULY 1931, Page 36

In November, 1930, Sir Arthur Salter was invited by the

Indian Government to visit India. India now ranks as one of the eight chief industrial countries. Yet, " In spite of her industrial achievements and ambitions India is predo- minantly an agricultural country. The great bulk of her population depend for their living directly upon the produce of the soil, and would be adversely affected by any policy which was injurious and unjust to agricultural interests." Sir Arthur Salter, in his quick. survey, A Scheme for an Economic Advisory Organization in India (Allen and Unwin, 8d.), noted this, and noted other essential facts, among them the disappointing results of the numerous Commissions of recent years. He suggests the formation of a Central Advisory Economic Committee, to supplement the already existing Cotton Committee, Tariff Board, Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, and the proposed Jute Committee and Reserve Bank. This should meet only about twice a year, largely to complete the work of more important Provincial Committees which he thinks should be set up. His useful pamphlet contains appendices that tell of similar committees working in France, Germany, Poland, the United States, and under the League of Nations. Its eager and modest tone and close marshalling of argument and objection make it very attractive reading.