§ 15. Miss RATHBONEasked the Secretary of State for India whether in view of the suspension of the civil-disobedience movement in India, it is now the intention of the provincial governments to commence enforcing the Sarda Act in restraint of child marriage?
§ Mr. BENNThe enforcement of the Act has in no way been affected by the civil disobedience movement.
§ Miss RATHBONEDoes that mean that the Act is in force or is not; and will the right hon. Gentleman say what has been the result of the circular sent to the provincial Governments in the course of last summer suggesting that the Act should be annulled or greatly cut down, what the replies were, and whether, in view of the improvement in the situation, that proposal for annulment of the Act can be regarded as suspended?
§ Mr. BENNSo far as the question on the Paper is concerned, I have done my best to answer it. As regards the specific question of the hon. Member, if she will put it on the Order Paper, I will do my best to give her all the information I can.