Earl WINTERTON(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for India whether the serious disturbances of yesterday in Calcutta have now ceased, and if he is in a position to state the number of officers of the law and other public officials injured in the course of their duty in riots and disturbances in that city within the last four weeks?
§ Mr. BENNMy latest information, which was received last night, is based on a Report from the Bengal Government that the situation in Calcutta was quiet yesterday afternoon after serious rioting bad occurred in the morning. As regards the second part of the question, I am afraid I cannot state the figures without 2895 inquiry from India. I am quite satisfied of the ability of the local authorities to keep the situation under control.
Earl WINTERTONIs it not a fact that in the disturbances of yesterday, for the first time since the days of Non-cooperation, Europeans have been singled out for attack, abuse and murderous assault; and will the right hon. Gentleman, when inquiring from the Government of India, obtain information whether the Government of India are able to assign any cause for this most disturbed state of affairs?
Earl WINTERTONMay I ask the right bon. Gentleman, especially in view of the fact that we on this side have not hampered him by criticism in the last few weeks, whether he is aware of the growing anxiety which there is in this country at the progressive increase of lawlessness of the most serious character in the principal centres of India during the last few weeks; and will he, when the House resumes, be in a position to inform the House what steps the Government of India propose to take to stop that increase?
§ Mr. BENNI need hardly inform the Noble Lord that the state of affairs has been the constant, anxious and careful concern of the Government.
§ Major POLEIs it not the case that the riots in Calcutta have been confined entirely to one quarter—the Indian quarter—and did not the lady who was injured go into that quarter against the orders of the police?
§ Mr. BENNI cannot say that. My information from official quarters is that the riots occurred in two quarters, but I cannot confirm or deny the statement on the other point.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the situation throughout India to-day is rapidly reaching the position in which Ireland was—[Interruption.]
§ Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNAre the British troops, who usually go away from the plains up to the hills on 2896 the 15th April, being kept down in the disturbed centres to protect the in habitants?
§ Mr. BENNI should not attempt to deal with a detail of that kind at this end. We must leave it to those on the spot.