HC Deb 04 August 1924 vol 176 c2495
2. Colonel Sir CHARLES YATE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, now that the Punjab Government has notified that it has been Compelled to prosecute the publishers of newspapers containing matter calculated to excite the feelings of one community against another, the Government of India will introduce legislation to put a stop to the license of abuse that since the repeal of the Press Act has been unchecked in the Indian Press?

Mr. RICHARDS

I have no reason to thank that proposals for such legislation are contemplated.

Sir C. YATE

Will the hon. Gentleman think over this matter, because it is very serious?

Mr. HEALY

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the case of certain Belfast newspapers who are doing the same thing in regard to the Irish Treaty, and why should there be any difference between Ireland and India in this matter?

Mr. RICHARDS

That is a matter for the Colonial Secretary to deal with.