§ Mr. O'GRADYasked whether the attention of the Government of India had been directed to the statements published in the ''Madras Times" of 10th February, to the effect that Lord Minto's policy in relation to the release of the deportees was a policy of shilly-shally, and expressing the hope that Lord Minto would pass away into well-merited retirement; whether such expressions in Anglo-Indian papers, published in India, bring them within the provisions of the Press Act on the charge of sedition; and, if so, whether steps would be taken to see that the Act was applied in all such cases where the statements published were calculated to bring the Government into contempt within the terms of the Act?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Secretary of State does not know whether the attention of the Government of India has been directed to the article in question, nor whether they are at all likely to regard it as worth -attention. As regards the latter part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that it is for the local Governments in India to interpret the new Press Act, subject to appeal to the High Courts in that country.
§ Mr. O'GRADYMay I ask whether the Secretary of State himself would permit discrimination in this matter, and whether, if he discovered that the Anglo-Indian Press were guilty within the terms of the Act, he would take action against those papers as well?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIf the hon. Member will look at the Press Act he will see that the first move in the matter must come from the local Government, and anyone dissatisfied with their action can appeal to the High Court.