HC Deb 09 July 1908 vol 192 cc59-60
SIR BERKELEY SHEFFIELD

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give an assurance that the frequent cases of assault upon European residents throughout the Indian Empire is receiving the due attention of the authorities; and whether it is proposed that steps shall be taken to strengthen the law in dealing with similar cases.

MR. BUCHANAN

We have no official information that cases of assault on European residents in India are becoming more frequent, but the question of assaults, of whatever class, is, of course, a matter that receives the constant attention of Government, particularly at the present time. The Secretary of State sees no reason for taking steps to strengthen the existing law on the subject.

MR. KEIR HARDIE

Have any steps been taken against those newspaper correspondents who spread false reports of this kind?

MR. BUCHANAN

I do not think that arises out of the Question.