§ 1. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for India whether he will give the House the latest information he has as to the political situation in India?
§ 2. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for India if he will inform the House as to the latest situation in India?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Sir Samuel Hoare)I regret to have to confirm the reports that have appeared in the Press of a further terrorist outrage in Bengal, where on Saturday Mr. R. Douglas, the District Magistrate of Midnapore, was shot while at a meeting of the District Board, and later died from his injuries. I understand that one of his assailants was arrested. I know the House will join with me in ex pressing the deepest sympathy with Mr. Douglas's relatives. Elsewhere, there has been little of importance to report during the last week. The position in Delhi, following the unsuccessful attempt to hold the session of Congress last week quickly returned to normal, and there have been no reactions elsewhere. One feature of the week has been attempts in various places to destroy letters in post boxes.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEHas the right hon. Gentleman any information to show that the dastardly murder of Mr. Douglas and the equally disgraceful attempt on Mr. Gibson, District Magistrate, are connected in any way with the Lahore and Delhi conspiracy organisations?
§ Sir S. HOARENo, Sir. I have no information further than that which I have given, but if I obtain more in connection with this matter, I will let the hon. Member have it.
§ Captain PETER MACDONALDCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the lives of these officials were threatened, and whether they were provided with some protection or guard of any kind?
§ Sir S. HOAREI should like to have notice of that question, but I should say that there was a guard.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the right hon. Gentleman say that, notwithstanding these regrettable incidents, the trade out look for this country is improving?