HC Deb 06 July 1931 vol 254 cc1692-3
4. Mr. REMER

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has now received the evidence given before the commission of inquiry at Cawnpore; and if he is prepared to publish it?

Mr. BENN

I received late last week copies of the evidence which is contained in 17 files amounting to 1,833 foolscap pages of typescript. I have just been informed by the Government of India that they are taking steps to print the evidence in India; and I have asked them to let me have as soon as possible copies which I will place in the Library on receipt.

Mr. REMER

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects the evidence will be available here?

Mr. BENN

I cannot say how long it will take to got it printed and sent here, but the moment it reaches me it will be available.

Mr. REMER

If the right hon. Gentleman has copies of the evidence, could it not be printed at once?

Mr. BENN

I do not think that I should be justified in making a special separate print of this very bulky document.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I thought the hon. Member was in favour of economy?

Mr. REMER

Is it not a fact that it must be three or four weeks before we can see the evidence here?

Mr. BENN

That is so.

5. Mr. REMER

asked the Secretary of Slate for India what was the official position of Mr. Sale during the Cawnpore riots, and if in that position he had any superior officers in charge at Cawnpore at that time; and, if so, if he will state the names of those officers?

Mr. BENN

Mr. Sale's appointment was that of magistrate and collector, Cawnpore. As the report of the commission indicates, the Commissioner of the Division, Kunwar Maharaj Singh, was in Cawnpore from 26th to 30th March inclusive, and the Governor, Sir George Lambert, who was accompanied by the Home Member, Nawab Sir Muhammad Ahmad Said Khan of Chhitari, on 28th March. The presence of superior officers in the district of a collector does not involve their taking over charge from him nor does it necessarily affect the balance of respective responsibilities.

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