DR. RUTHERFORD (Middlesex, Brentford)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether meetings of congratulation upon the return from prison of Bepin Chandra Pal have passed off peacefully thoughout India with the exception of Tinnevelli and Tuticorin, where the authorities prohibited the holding of public meetings; whether this prohibition led to rioting and loss of innocent life; and whether he will state what were the circumstances which led to this prohibition, and what personal part Mr. Wynch played throughout this unfortunate incident.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY To THE TREASURY (Mr. CHARLES HOB-HOUSE,; for Mr. BUCHANAN) Bristol, E.No disturbances in connection with Bepin Chandra Pal's release from prison have been reported, except from Tuticorin and 1389 Tinnevelli. The conditions existing at these places were exceptional, in that disturbances unconnected with Bepin Chandra Pal's release had already taken place in February, when it had been found necessary to prohibit meetings proposed to be held in connection with a strike of cotton operatives. It was in view of the continuance of disturbed conditions that the procession announced for the 9th March, the day of Bepin Chandra Pal's release, was prohibited, and subsequent events, including the rioting, and the loss of life which resulted, must be regarded in their connection with the earlier occurrences mentioned. Mr. Wynch, as district judge, was generally responsible for the maintenance of order, and for the measures taken to that end.