HC Deb 13 August 1919 vol 119 cc1270-1
4. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for India if all the newspapers owned or edited by Nationalists in India have had their securities forfeited or in creased or been demanded securities or proceeded against in other ways?

Mr. MONTAGU

No, Sir, certainly not.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it not a fact that the "Amritsa Bazar Patrika," the "Hindoo," the "New India," the "Independent," and the "Bombay Chronicle" have all lost their securities, and how much has been taken from these newspapers on account of their attitude?

Mr. MONTAGU

If my hon. and gallant Friend wants the figures, perhaps he will give me notice. The newspapers to which he refers were proceeded against under the terms of the Press Act.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Have not all these newspapers lost their deposits in consequence?

Mr. MONTAGU

I cannot charge myself with remembering the particulars of each case, but I think my hon. and gallant Friend is accurate in saying that they have all suffered under the Press Act.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it not a fact that practically all the Nationalist newspapers in India have been so treated?

Mr. MONTAGU

If a large number of Nationalist newspapers in India have offended under the Press Act, then they have been proceeded against. It was not because they were Nationalist newspapers, but because they offended against the provisions of the Press Act.

Mr. MACLEAN

Is it not a fact that the Press Act only affects the Nationalist newspapers?

Mr. MONTAGU

I shall be happy to send my hon. Friend a copy of the Act, and he will see that it applies indiscriminately to all newspapers.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

How long will the Press Act be continued after India gets Home Rule?

5. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will lay upon the Table a Return of the number of newspapers and presses that have been proceeded against in India under the Press Act and/or the Defence of India Act since the beginning of this year?

Mr. MONTAGU

I will ask the Government of India to supplement the information for which the hon. Member for West Edinburgh (Mr. Jameson) asked on the 22nd July by a Return giving these particulars.