HC Deb 28 November 1927 vol 211 cc4-5
6. Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Order, under Section 134 of the Criminal Procedure Code, issued by the district magistrate at Delhi on 27th August last, is still in force prohibiting posters or placards announcing public meetings being printed or published within the limits of the Delhi district unless and until they have been submitted to and approved of by him?

Earl WINTERTON

I have no information as to any such Order of 27th August, but it is quite possible, having regard to the situation in Delhi, that what was found necessary in May and on previous occasions has been found necessary again.

Mr. LANSBURY

Seeing that this Order was issued in August last, does not the Noble Lord think it is time to review it?

Earl WINTERTON

I do not think the hon. Gentleman at least appreciates what the situation is. This Order was not intended to take effect against any posters or pamphlets attacking Governments, but intended to prevent posters, pamphlets or placards which would have the effect of exacerbating the already serious and intense feeling between Hindus and Mohammedans, and I would respectfully suggest to the hon. Gentleman it should be left to the Government of India to deal with this very serious matter, and their hands should not be hampered by questions in this House.

Mr. LANSBURY

Has the Noble Lord noticed that the only posters or placards to which I call attention are those announcing public meetings?

Earl WINTERTON

That is the whole point—to prevent posters or placards inflaming the minds of the populace already very greatly inflamed by communal differences, and to prevent, indeed, loss of life.

Mr. THURTLE

Is the Noble Lord aware that since this date agreement has been reached between Hindus and Mohammedans in the two matters which cause the greatest amount of trouble?

Earl WINTERTON

If the hon. Gentleman knew as much about the situation as I do, he would not place as much reliance on the agreement as he apparently does, because since that agreement has been in force there have been most serious communal riots in different parts of India.

Mr. LANSBURY

Not in Delhi.