§ 68. Mr. BRACKENasked the Secretary of State for India if he is aware that Mr. Vallabhai Patel, the Congress President, is creating a form of village organisation in Gujarat, whereby village dwellers, under threat of boycott, must support what is in effect a parallel government, under which local affairs and disputes shall be adjudicated by committees set up under Congress direction; and whether, in view of such a breach of the Irwin-Gandhi agreement, His Majesty's Government will denounce that agreement and reincarcerate Mr. Patel and his associates?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)There have been difficulties in Gujarat, but the situation has shown signs of improvement, and the statements in the hon. Member's question are not supported by the facts. The answer to the latter part of the question is "No."
§ Mr. BRACKENWill the right hon. Gentleman say what are the signs of improvement; and also whether the "Times" newspaper and all other responsible newspapers are wrong in making that statement?
§ Mr. BENNI saw the telegram on which, no doubt, the hon. Member based his question, and I had it checked with the information at my disposal, and the result is the answer which I have given to the House.
§ Mr. BRACKENAs it is apparently-impossible to get a plain answer to any question—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member will get an answer to his questions if he puts them in the right way.
§ Mr. BRACKENAs it is impossible to get an answer from the Secretary of State for India, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter upon the adjournment to-morrow.