§ 20. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for India whether the Indian patriot, Lajpat Rai, may yet be permitted to return from America to this country?
Mr. TERRELLBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask, Mr. Speaker, whether it is quite in order to describe a person of doubtful character as an Indian patriot on the Question Paper?
§ Sir H. CRAIKMay I ask if it is not the case that this person whose name is in the question was deported for seditious and treacherous conduct in India?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not know anything about this man. Everybody calls himself a patriot in these days.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHe was not deported.
Mr. TERRELLRegulation 58 of the Manual of Procedure contains the provision that a question must not contain any argument, inference, imputation, epithet, or ironical expression, and I venture to think the expression "patriot" in this instance offends the rule in every way.
§ Commander BELLAIRSOn a further point of Order, Sir. Is an hon. Member entitled to have ten starred questions on the Paper, having already asked four supplementary questions, and may I ask what action you propose to take in the matter, Sir?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe action I propose to take is not to call the last two questions.
§ Mr. FISHERThe answer to the question on the Paper is in the negative. If my hon. and gallant Friend will repeat his question on the signature of peace the Secretary of State will be glad to consider the matter further.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman take advantage of this opportunity to contradict the allegation that the Indian patriot Lajpat Rai was deported?