HC Deb 30 July 1907 vol 179 cc759-60
MR. MACKARNESS (Berkshire, Newbury)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is yet in a position, without danger to the State, to inform the House in general terms what is the nature of the defence made by Lala Rajpat Rai under the provisions of the Ordinance of 1818 to the Government of India.

MR. MORLEY

As my hon. friend is aware, Regulation III. of 1818 does not contemplate the formulation of specific charges. But Rajpat Rai was furnished with a copy of the warrant for his arrest, and was informed that the reason for his arrest and deportation was to preserve a portion of His Majesty's dominions from internal commotion. He submitted a memorial to the Government of India denying that he has ever done anything to cause such commotion, and he has requested that his memorial may be submitted to the King. The procedure necessary for this purpose has been explained to him.

MR. MACKARNESS

asked whether the memorial would be laid before the House.

MR. MORLEY

could not answer the Question until he had received the memorial.

MR. REES

asked whether in that part of India which was governed according to native traditions— the Native States— similar powers to those used by the British Government were not exercised by the ruling chiefs.

*Mr. SPEAKER

Notice should be given of that.

*Mr. LUPTON (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)

But by what method is it proposed to redress the grievances of the people of India?

*Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the Question on the Paper.