§ MR. J. M. ROBERTSON (Northumberland, Tyneside)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the assurances given that the Government of Eastern Bengal and Assam have withdrawn all restrictions on public meetings and processions imposed by previous orders, other circulars have been promulgated by the local magistrates and district superintendents of police which direct that all persons wishing to hold a public meeting or procession must apply to the police for permission to hold such meeting or procession, and that acting under these orders the police have arrested and retained in custody, until they were released on heavy bail, respectable gentlemen who were attending religious 221 processions; and whether he will take measures to ensure that real effect is given to the pledges made in this House.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. MORLEY,) Montrose BurghsThe licences for processions and meetings are required under the ordinary law, and the instructions of the local government are that such licences are only to be withheld in cases where there would, if they were granted, be serious risk of breaches of the peace. As I stated in reply to a Question on the 27th June, † I will take whatever stops may appear to be necessary to ensure that these instructions are not disregarded.