§ 6. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information respecting the effects of the campaign now being conducted by Mahatma Gandhi?
§ Mr. BENNAs the House is aware, Mr. Gandhi's march has caused a certain amount of excitement in the Bombay Presidency, particularly in the districts actually traversed, and a small proportion of village headmen have resigned—temporarily at any rate. Elsewhere little general interest appears to have been aroused. The main object of Mr. Gandhi's campaign, to defy Government by breaking the Salt Laws, has only just been initiated, and it is too early to form any opinion as to the effects.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYHas my right hon. Friend seen the interview with Mr. Gandhi that appeared in the "Daily Telegraph" on Saturday, and will be not even now try to find a basis of agreement in that interview and prevent a fatal step being taken between India and this country?
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs it not a fact that His Excellency the Viceroy has done everything possible to meet Mr. Gandhi's views?
§ Mr. BENNI need hardly say that the Government, and, I am sure, the whole House, have every confidence in His Excellency.
§ 8. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information with regard to any steps that have been taken by the Government of India to prevent mass civil disobedience?
§ Mr. BENNThe policy of His Majesty's Government was stated by the Viceroy in his speech on 25th January, and will be pursued, as circumstances demand, by the Government of India.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that circumstances have changed very much since that date, and that there is a growing feeling now that the law can be disregarded and authority openly flouted, and will be take steps to stop that?