§ SIR H. COTTON (Nottingham, E.)To ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that at Madaripore and at Serajgunge, in the newly-created province of Eastern Bengal, the deputy magistrates in charge of these subdivisions have been taking an active part in demonstrations in favour of maintaining the present scheme of partition; whether he is aware that popular irritation has been caused thereby; and seeing that it is against Government rules for a Government officer to take sides in a political controversy, and that the rule has been rigidly enforced in the case of anti-partition demonstrations, will he take steps to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley.) I have no information as to the facts of the cases mentioned, but I have no doubt the local government will take whatever steps may be necessary to enforce, in all cases, the rule to which the Question refers.