HC Deb 09 December 1929 vol 233 cc4-5
6. Major POLE

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give the House particulars in respect of the chief recommendations made by the Repressive Laws Committee set up by the Government of India in 1921 under the chairmanship of the Law member of the Government; and what action has been taken by the Government of India on each of these recommendations?

Mr. BENN

All the nine enactments or portions thereof, the immediate repeal of which the Committee recommended, have been repealed except the State Prisoners Acts of 1850 and 1858. One other enactment and a portion of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1908, which the Committee thought could not then be repealed remain on the Statute Book; and the amendment of Bengal Regulation III of 1818 and the corresponding Madras and Bombay Regulations of 1819 and 1827 which the Committee recommended has not yet been undertaken. The retention of these Regulations has necessitated the retention of the Acts of 1850 and 1858 just referred to.

Major POLE

Do we understand that these things are under consideration at the present time?

Mr. BENN

That is not in the question. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put it down.