8. Earl WINTERTONasked the Secretary of State for India why the names of the British other ranks, who were killed in the recent military operations in the North-West Frontier Province, were not officially published until several days after their deaths had occurred, although statements that there had been casualties appeared in the Press on the day following the operations?
§ Mr. BENNI understand that the next of kin were officially informed immediately. Publication is another matter and if the Noble Lord desires, I will examine it.
Earl WINTERTONWhy has the practice been departed from, when casualties occur in any part of the Empire, of publishing the names of the casualties as soon as possible?
§ Mr. BENNThe Noble Lord will observe that, in order to save pain to the relatives, it is very desirable that the private information should be given before publication.