§ 18. Mr. LONGDENasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received information of orders which have been issued in India, under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, prohibiting the holding of any meeting for the boycott of foreign cloth; and, if so, whether he will recommend to the Government of India the desirability of revoking such orders?
§ Mr. BENNI have no official information on the point raised, but, if my hon. Friend desires, I will make inquiries. I should add that Section 144 has no relation to boycott, but is of general application when danger is apprehended, and is made operative on the decision of the district magistrate empowered by the local government.
§ Mr. FREEMANCan my right hon. Friend say whether the boycott of foreign cloth is illegal, or only intimidation against those using foreign cloth?
§ Mr. BENNThe operation of Section 144 is described in the Section, and, if I send my hon. Friend a copy of it, I think that that will clear up the doubts in his mind.
§ Mr. FREEMANCannot my right hon. Friend say whether the boycott of foreign cloth is illegal in itself?