§ 81. Sir C. YATEasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the article in the Allahabad "Pioneer Mail" of the 20th May, entitled, Public Information in India; and, considering that the publicity organisations previously existing have been abolished in the Punjab and Bengal by the votes of the local Legislatures, and those in other provinces are said to be starved in resources and cold-shouldered by the Administration, he will suggest to the Government of India the desirability of following the example of the French Government in the matter, as advocated by the "Pioneer," and of doing their best to give life to the movement in favour of better information for the people?
§ Sir J. GILMOURMy right hon. Friend has seen the article referred to. He does not accept as correct the statement that publicity offices in India have been starved in resources and cold-shouldered by the Administration. On the contrary, most local governments have been actively supporting them. I have already communicated to the Government of India my views as to the importance of the work.