§ Sir C. YATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India why the 27 men in certain cantonments in India who, according to the published communiqué of the Government of India of August last, were found tampering with the loyalty of Indian troops, were simply expelled from those cantonments instead of being tried and sentenced by the cantonment authorities?
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§ Earl WINTERTONI regret I am unable to inform the hon. and gallant Member why the authorities did not try the 27 men who during the last three years were expelled from cantonments. There is, however, no doubt in my mind that they must have considered whether trial or expulsion was more suitable, and have exercised their discretion accordingly. If the hon. and gallant Member has any evidence that in any particular case criminal prosecution would have been more appropriate than mere expulsion, I shall be prepared to forward it for the consideration of the Government of India.
§ Sir C. YATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, seeing that the Legislative Assembly, as stated in the Indian Press, have so altered the Government Bill providing penalties for inciting to disaffection among the Indian police as to render it practically useless as a deterrent, he will say what steps it is proposed to take in the matter to secure due punishment to those convicted?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe Legislative Assembly have, as the hon. and gallant Member states, passed the Bill in a less drastic form. I consider it would be improper for me to criticise their action in doing so. I may add that the Governor-General has assented to the Act as passed. If the Government of India find it inadequate in its working, they will presumably take steps to introduce an amending Bill.