HC Deb 08 July 1931 vol 254 cc2077-8
42. Mr. BRACKEN

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the speech made by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on the 22nd June, at Kokhraj village, in the Allahabad district, in which he advocated the establishment of a peasant republic in India; and whether, in view of the seditious character of this speech, it is proposed to prosecute Pandit Nehru?

Mr. BENN

I have no information beyond a newspaper report of this speech.

Mr. BRACKEN

Does the Secretary of State get no information whatever from India? This statement has appeared in the Press.

Mr. WINTERTON

Can the Secretary of State say whether there is anything to prevent any subject of His Majesty from advocating a republic?

Mr. BENN

That is another philosophic inquiry. The question that the magistrate has to deal with is whether there is a danger of a breach of the peace, and as to that it is best to leave him to judge.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Is the right hon. Gentlemen always in a state of philosophic doubt?