HC Deb 07 November 1893 vol 18 cc337-8
MR. STANSFELD (Halifax)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether any and what communications have passed between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of India upon the subject of the Report of the India Office Committee on the Rules and practices in Indian cantonments regarding prostitution?

* MR. GEORGE RUSSELL

In reply to my right hon. Friend, I will read the telegram sent to the Government of India, and their reply— 29th September. Your telegram 14th. Cantonments. Report of Committee sent by mail of 15th September. Majority, including Under Secretary, recommend legislation as only effective method of preventing practices inconsistent with Resolution of House of Commons. In this view I am disposed to concur, but proposal requires careful examination, and I request that you will take Report into your immediate consideration, and telegraph to me before House of Commons re-assemble in November what measures you are prepared to adopt. You will doubtless call to account all officers concerned, who are proved to have allowed practices inconsistent with the Resolution above referred to in contravention of your orders. Reply of Government of India— 31 October, 1893. Your telegram 29th September, Cantonments. We are sending by this mail drafts of three Bills and of Regulations to show how effect might be given to intentions of majority Report, as we understand 'them. We think your Lordships should see our Despatch and these drafts before deciding whether legislation is indispensable, or what form it might take. Officers concerned have been called to account, and we shall inform your Lordship of result. I will lay these two telegrams on the Table, and also a Circular issued by the Quartermaster General, which has been recently received from the Government of India.