§ 17. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for India to what extent news from India to this country is being censored?
§ Mr. BENNUnder the Telegraph Act of 1885, the Government of India have powers similar to those enjoyed by all the signatories to the International Telegraph Convention. As to the precise extent to which these powers are at present being exercised, I have no official information; but I am assured by the Government of India that, consistently with the needs of the situation, they will do everything they can not to impede the services rendered by the Press.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that the truth about events in India is not being kept from the British public?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYBut is my right hon. Friend aware that he answers questions by saying that he himself only has information from the newspapers; and does he not think that it would be very unfortunate if there were any impression that there was difficulty in getting the truth about events in India?
§ Mr. BENNIf that impression exists, I hope that my hon. and gallant Friend will do his best to correct it.