§ 4. Mr. D. GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that 16 rebels in the Prome district of Burma were decapitated by the Government forces and their heads taken to the military headquarters at Prome and publicly exhibited; and whether he can say by whose authority this was carried out?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe incident referred to by the hon. Member took place on 4th June, 1931. The information desired is contained in a resolution issued by the Government of Burma on the 8th July, 1931, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.
§ 8. Mr. PARKINSONasked the Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of Burma to hold an early general election; and, if so, whether the general election is to be to the present legislative council and on the existing franchise?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe Prime Minister's statement of 12th January indicated that it is necessary to hold a general election for the existing legislative council before the end of this year. Such election would be held on the existing franchise. It is not possible at present to say precisely when this election will be held.
§ 12. Mr. DAVID ADAMSasked the Secretary of State for India if he will inform the House as to the present situation in regard to the disturbances in Burma?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am circulating a report in respect of the past week. There are still a number of gangs of dacoits operating in several districts, and the authorities are now engaged in the task of rounding them up.
§ Following is the report:
§ Satisfactory progress continues. Two important leaders were accounted for in Prome district; one was shot by armed villagers and one surrendered. Two casualties among Government forces were reported, two irregular police being wounded. Ninety-three under-trial prisoners released and the number remaining in custody is now 426. The price of paddy has remained steady about 90. The collection of taxes continues to be satisfactory.
458§ 18. Mr. GORDON MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for India whether, pending the holding of the general election in Burma, any action is being taken by the Burma Government or by His Majesty's Government on the report of the recent Burma Round Table Conference?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe proceedings of the Burma Round Table Conference were on the assumption that Burma will be separated from India. Until that assumption has been endorsed by Burma it is not practicable and would not be proper for His Majesty's Government or the Government of Burma to take action to implement the Report of the Conference. But, on a provisional basis, active consideration is being given to the matters on which action will be required if the contemplated general election indicates that it is the wish of the people of Burma that separation should be effected.
§ 53. Mr. DAGGARasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the various allegations made in the letter addressed to the Secretary of State for India by U. Saw, member of the legislative council for Tharrawaddy South, Burma, in July, 1931; whether any reply has been sent to that letter; and whether it is proposed to institute a public inquiry into the causes of the risings and the various alleged breaches of the law in the suppression of the unrest in Burma?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have seen a copy of the letter, to which no reply has been sent. As regards the last part of the question, until the rebellion is finally suppressed it is premature to consider what sort of an inquiry, if any, is desirable.