§ 8. Mr. REMERasked the Secretary of State for India, seeing that the death roll in the Cawnpore riots was originally stated by him to be 294, whereas the Commission of Inquiry give the figure at between 400 and 500, he can now state the exact number of persons who lost their lives in these riots?
§ Mr. BENNThe number of deaths given by me in reply to questions in April was, as I made clear, the number of officially ascertained deaths, and it corresponds with the commission's statement that the number of verified deaths was 300. The commission, after hearing evidence from various sources, estimate the death roll as probably between 400 and 500. I have no means of obtaining a more accurate figure than the Commission of Inquiry.
§ Mr. REMERWill the right hon. Gentleman say how he accounts for the fact that on the very day when the report was published in Simla he gave the figure as 294? Could he not have made more inquiries?
§ Mr. BENNI have given the hon. Gentleman all the information in my power; and further we have had a public inquiry into the circumstances. I have done this in order to prevent hon. Gentlemen and others from disseminating unfounded reports.
Earl WINTERTONCan the right hon. Gentleman explain how it was that he gave the answer on the day the report was published, showing that the death roll was 294? Had he not some later information?
§ Mr. BENNYes. The Noble Lord did not hear the phrase in my answer which said that that was the officially ascertained number of deaths. On that, the Commission themselves based an estimate of the probable total.
§ 9. Mr. REMERasked the Secretary of State for India if he has now received the evidence given before the Commission inquiring into the Cawnpore riots; if he can state when the report will be published; and whether it is his intention to publish the evidence also?
§ Mr. BENNI understand that copies of the report will be available in the 6 Vote Office on Friday next, 26th June, before the House assembles. The preparation of a sketch map to accompany the report has entailed a delay of two or three days. I have not yet received a copy of the evidence which I am informed amounts to 1,600 foolscap pages of typescript. As to the publication of it I am at present not in a position to add anything to the answers given on 10th and 15th June.
§ Mr. REMERAfter the right hon. Gentleman's efforts to avoid unfounded reports to which he has made reference, would it not be a great advantage to publish the evidence?
§ Mr. BENNI would rather see the evidence as to its bulk and the expense involved. It may be very expensive and cause delay.
§ Mr. REMERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that parts of this evidence have been published already in certain newspapers?
§ Mr. BENNInasmuch as the whole Commission was public, and reporters were present, I am not surprised that the evidence has been published.
Mr. MACLEANWould it not be advisable, in order that no unfounded reports should go abroad, that no further questions should be put on this matter until the report is published?