HC Deb 21 April 1914 vol 61 cc736-7
17. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Secretary of State has any information regarding the frequent fires which have lately taken place in Calcutta and Bombay, whereby public and private property of value has been destroyed; and whether such are attributable to the action of conspirators against British rule?

Mr. C. ROBERTS

No official information has been received. The Secretary of State has no reason to suppose that the fires are due to the cause mentioned by the hon. Member.

Sir J. D. REES

Is the Secretary of State aware that that belief is, nevertheless, widely held in India?

Mr. C. ROBERTS

I do not know that the Secretary of State is aware of the fact. He has no reason to take the view which the hon. Member suggests.