HC Deb 27 July 1931 vol 255 cc1921-2
12. Sir A. KNOX

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the increased frequency of murderous attacks on British officials, he will re commend to the Government of India the desirability of measures to prevent the incitement to murder in the press and on the platform?

Mr. BENN

Incitement to murder is an offence under the Indian Penal Code, and action is taken, where necessary, under its provisions. I need not add that Government are fully alive to their responsibility for the safety of their officers.

Sir A. KNOX

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that the permission of a hartal, as ordered by the Congress, in memory of the execution of Bagat Singh has had a most disastrous effect?

Mr. BENN

I think that anything said or done in praise of the committer of such an offence does great harm.

Sir A. KNOX

Why did the Government allow that hartal?

16. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any further information concerning the stabbing of British officers in the Punjab mail train on Thursday, 23rd July?

19. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the Secretary of State for India the latest news as to the attack on two young officers in the train between Bombay and the Punjab on the 23rd instant; and what action the Government proposes to take?

Mr. BENN

The reports received by me do not add to what has appeared in the Press. I have no information as to the motives for this outrage. I understand that one arrest was made by the police and every effort will of course be made by the authorities to trace the assailants and bring them to justice.

21. Captain MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information concerning the recent attack upon the Acting Governor of Bombay?

Mr. BENN

The official reports which I have received are identical in substance with those published in the Press.

Captain MACDONALD

What steps have been taken to bring the assailant to justice?

Mr. BENN

The assailant is under arrest, and I imagine that the processes of law are in operation.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

May I ask whether the Government here is in touch with the situation in India or whether they are leaving it to the Government in India?

Mr. BENN

We are informed daily and hourly of occurrences in India.