§ 10. Sir C. YATEasked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the number of bogus candidates put forward at the last elections in India, the Government of India have now reviewed their previous decision not to require a deposit from each candidate for election to the Imperial and provincial legislative councils, as is the case with candidates in the United Kingdom and as also provided for in the new constitution of Malta; and, if so, whether steps will be taken in future to require such deposits and make them forfeitable if the candidates fail to secure a prescribed number of votes?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI communicated, as I promised, the hon. Baronet's previous question on this matter to the Government of India, but I have not yet received from them any proposal for the alteration of the rules. I doubt whether in any case they would think an alteration necessary until they had considered what other amendments, if any, are required for the purposes of the next general election.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it not the unfortunate fact that these bogus candidates have not failed at the election, but have been elected?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThat depends upon what you mean by "bogus candidates."