§ 1. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is proposed to reintroduce into the Assembly the Communist Deportation Bill which was thrown out last year; and, if so, why?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)If the Tight hon. and gallant Member is referring to the Public Safety Bill, the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, for the reasons stated in the speech of the Viceroy at the opening of the Legislative Assembly on Monday last, which has been published in the Press, the Government of India, with the full concurrence of the Secretary of State, are not prepared to accept as final the previous vote of the Legislative Assembly, with a majority of one, in regard to this Bill.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the Noble Lord really afraid of Communism in India, as opposed to Nationalism?
§ Mr. SAKLATVALAIs the Noble Lord of opinion that this Bill should be 1372 passed by the Legislative Assembly to interfere with the freedom of British subjects, without the consent of this House?
§ Earl WINTERTONI do not quite understand what the hon. Member means.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALAIs not the Noble Lord aware that the primary rights of British subjects cannot be taken away from them, without the consent of this House, by any mere legislative act by the Government of India?
§ Earl WINTERTONNo, Sir. The Bill is in accordance with the Constitution of India.