HC Deb 18 May 1931 vol 252 cc1571-2
12. Mr. REMER

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has received the report of the Commission inquiring into the Cawnpore riots; and, if so, when the report will be published?

Mr. BENN

As I stated last Monday, the commission of inquiry is expected to present its report to the local government in a few days from now. I cannot at present say anything as to the probable date of publication.

Mr. REMER

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that it will be published?

Mr. BENN

I think we had better see the report.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any indication when it will be published so that a Debate can be held?

Mr. BENN

The information at my disposal is that it will be presented within a few days. The report will then be examined and it will take some little time. I cannot give any more precise indication than that.

Mr. CHURCHILL

I suppose that the right hon. Gentleman does not contemplate anything like a delay of a month in the examination of this report?

Mr. BENN

I cannot say. I cannot give any definite date. All I will say is that there will be no avoidable delay.

Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING

Is there any doubt about the report being published?

Mr. BENN

We must, first of all, get the report. We have no desire either to conceal anything or to delay anything, but at the same time these cases must be dealt with in proper order.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Are we not withholding any Debate upon this subject because we are waiting for this report, and, if the right hon. Gentleman throws doubt upon the date upon which we may get the report, or indicates that it may take a very long time, will not that be a reason for making it necessary, perhaps, to bring on the matter before?

HON. MEMBERS

Answer!

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