4. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the seditious speeches which a Mr. Andrews is delivering in India; whether this person is a British subject and amenable to British law; and whether he will consider as to arranging for Andrews to be sent back to England with a view to his being placed on trial on a charge of sedition?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have seen a Press report of parts of a speech made by Mr. Andrews. I am not prepared to express an opinion as to whether it comes within the scope of the criminal law. Mr. Andrews is a British subject. If a British subject commit an offence in India, the Courts in India are the proper authorities for trying the case.
Sir F. HALLDoes my right hon. Friend recognise that the stirring up of strife is likely to increase if people of British nationality are permitted to make these seditious speeches and no official notice is taken of them; and will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the authorities in India with a view to ensuring a cessation of the activities of this so-called gentleman?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI must leave the necessary steps for the preservation of order in India to the Government of India and the local governments.