§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether there is any truth in the statement that has appeared in the Press that by proclamation in the "Gazette" for India the newspaper "Justice," published in this country, has been absolutely prohibited being taken into India; and, if so, upon what grounds this action against the liberty of the Press has been taken?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (The Master of Elibank)The Government of India represented to the Secretary of State that they regarded the articles in "Justice" directed against British rule in India as inflammatory and mischievous in their effects on certain sections of Indian opinion. The Secretary of State entirely concurs, and has sanctioned their exercise of the statutory powers of prohibition which they have already enforced in the case of Krishnavarma's publication, the "Indian Sociologist."
§ Mr. MacNEILLHas the Secretary of State read the articles in "Justice"; it might improve his literary style?
§ Mr. W. THORNECan he state how it is that "Justice," which is only one of the Socialist papers which appears in India, has been prohibited, while a* the same time similar articles appeared in other Socialist papers?
The MASTER of ELIBANKThe hon. Member evidently referred to this particular paper. The Indian Government decided, in the interests of the public peace in India, that the importation of this paper should be prohibited. If the hon. Member 2098 will bring any other Socialist newspapers with similar articles to my notice I will consider the matter.
§ Mr. W. THORNEI am not quite so foolish as that.