§ 9. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for India why the fortnightly reports on the situation in India have been discontinued; and whether, in view of the great interest taken by the House in Indian affairs, he will once more issue these reports?
15. Earl WINTERTONasked the Secretary of State for India for what reason there has been a cessation of the weekly communiqué hitherto issued by the Government of India; and what steps he proposes to take to keep this House and the country informed of the progress of events and the state of law and order in India?
§ Mr. BENNThe answer is that given last Monday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Southern Derbyshire (Major Pole). Such information as I have relating to any particular matter is, of course, always at the disposal of the House.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the present time there is a special interest taken in the affairs of India, and in many cases reports are censored, so that only garbled reports come to this country, and would it not be advisable to have a further report?
§ Mr. BENNI do not admit that there are garbled reports published. The reason for the discontinuance for the time being of the general appreciation was given by me last Monday. I am willing to give information at all times.
Earl WINTERTONMay I take it that the right hon. Gentleman does not propose to withhold from this House any information that may be asked for?
§ Mr. BENNThis House is entitled to demand, and will certainly receive, all such information as I may have.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYIs it not the case that there is no censorship of the Press in India?
14. Earl WINTERTONasked the Secretary of State for India if he has received any report from the Government of India as to the state of law and order in the Bombay district?
§ Mr. BENNAll information of importance is regularly reported to me, but I have received no report of a special nature.
Earl WINTERTONIf I put down a non-oral question will the right hon. Gentleman give the latest information that he has received?
§ Mr. BENNIf the Noble Lord will put down a question, oral or non-oral, I will give him the fullest information in answer.