§ 16. Mr. MORGAN JONESasked the Secretary of State for India on what grounds, and by whose orders, the procession in furtherance of the Buy Indian campaign which was arranged for 3rd April was prohibited?
§ Sir S. HOAREI presume the hon. Member refers to an attempt to hold a procession at Bombay on the 3rd April. I have no official information but understand that the procession was prohibited by the Commissioner of Police under the powers given him by Section 23 (3) of the Bombay City Police Act.
§ Mr. JONESMay I ask whether, as a matter of principle, it is or it is not illegal for a gathering of Indian people to assemble for the purpose of advocating "Buy Indian"?
§ Sir S. HOAREIt depends on what "assembly" means. If it means a breach of the law, obviously it would be illegal.
§ Mr. JONESSo long as a procession confines itself to the question of urging people to "Buy Indian," does that constitute a breach of the law?
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs it not a fact that there is no movement to buy Indian goods that is dissociated from the anti-British propaganda?
§ Sir S. HOAREI cannot give a categorical answer to my hon. and gallant Friend's question. There is no desire whatever to interfere with any legitimate effort to stimulate Indian trade in India, but where an assembly is likely to lead to a breach of the law that assembly would be declared illegal.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWhat would the right hon. Gentleman call a legitimate effort to stimulate Indian trade?
§ Sir S. HOAREIt would depend upon the individual case.