In the absence of Mr. Buchanan through illness, Mr. Hob-
house took charge of the Indian Councils Bill in Committee on Monday. An amendment was moved to the first clause— which provides that there shall be elected as well as nominated members on the Legislative Councils—by Mr. Mackarness to the effect that no British subject should be disqualified for election or nomination by reason of havin been deported or imprisoned without having first been charged with and con- victed of an offence. Mr. Hobliouse declined to accept the amendment, while making it clear that the Government intended to accept the principle. Further amendments relating to the constitution of the Legislative and Execu- tive Councils having been negatived or rejected, Mr. Hob- house moved the reinsertion of the clause struck out by the Lords empowering the Viceroy in Council to create new Executive Councils. Lord Percy opposed the clause on the grounds that no new arguments had been adduced in its support, that the Lords who opposed it had nearly all held high official positions in India, and that no Lieutenant- Governor, except the Governor of Bengal, desired the change. On a division the clause was carried by 1.18 votes to 22, and the Rill passed through Committee.
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