§ MR. REES (Montgomery Boroughs)To ask the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of Bengal, shortly before the anti-partition agitation commenced, instituted a survey and settlement of rent under the Bengal Tenancy Act, in order to the protection of the low caste Hindu and Mahomedan tenants of the high caste Hindu landlords; and whether in other parts of India, where there are no landlords under permanent settlement, there has been any such agitation as is now proceeding in Bengal.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley.) The surveys in question have been in progress in various parts of Bengal since 1892. They are intended to ascertain and record the respective rights of landlords and tenants, and they are for the advantage of both classes. Similar surveys have been made, or are being made, in districts not under permanent settle- 1088 ment. The agitation referred to in the latter part of the Question is confined to that part of India which is affected by the recent change. There are permanently settled areas outside Bengal in which no such agitation exists.