§ 3. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for India whether there were any casualties to Europeans and the Government forces, respectively, during the Cawnpore riots; and, is so, whether he will give par-particulars?
§ Mr. BENNFour non-official Europeans received minor injuries. Two deputy-collectors, one deputy-superintendent, and two sub-inspectors of police were injured, while several constables also received minor injuries.
§ Sir SAMUEL HOAREIs it proposed to publish the report of the committee of inquiry, and, if so, when will the committee make its report on these massacres?
§ Mr. BENNPerhaps the right hon. Gentleman has not noticed that there is a further question on that point.
§ 10. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Secretary of State for India if he can give the terms of reference of the commission of inquiry into the riots at Cawnpore; at what probable date the inquiry will be concluded; and whether he will then publish the evidence in full for the information of the House?
§ Mr. BENNI gave the terms of reference on 16th April. I fear I cannot say when the inquiry, which is being held in public, will be complete.
§ Sir A. KNOXCan the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question?
§ Mr. BENNIt has been partly answered by my statement that the inquiry will be held in public. When it is complete, I will consider whether the evidence might usefully be printed.
Earl WINTERTONIn view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman made an appeal to us on this side of the House, and to myself in particular, not to raise a debate on this question until the in- 1349 quiry has been finished, will he accelerate in any way possible the finishing of the inquiry, so that this House may fully debate these deplorable circumstances?
§ Mr. BENNNaturally, I should not do anything which would interfere with the full and exhaustive nature of the inquiry.
Earl WINTERTONWill the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to point out to the Government of India the desire of the Opposition to have a day to discuss this matter?
18. Earl WINTERTONasked the Secretary of State for India how many women and children were murdered in the Cawnpore riots; and in how many instances persons have been arrested who are alleged to have committed these murders?
§ Mr. BENNI have no figures but understand that several women and children of both the Hindu and Moslem communities were murdered. Over 400 persons have been arrested, but I am not aware of the number, if any, charged with murder.
Earl WINTERTONWill the right hon. Gentleman ascertain from the Government of India how many persons have been arrested in connection with these terrible murders and mutilations?
§ 20 and 21. Mr. BRACKENasked the Secretary of State for India (1) whether any children of English parentage were murdered during the recent riots in Cawnpore;
(2) whether he can state the number of persons killed and injured during the recent riots in Cawnpore?
§ Mr. BENNI have no figures of casualties later than those contained in the answer given on the 16th April. No European children were murdered.