§ 39. Mr. BERNAYSasked the Secretary of State for India if he is aware that it is proposed to introduce into the Bombay Legislative Council a Government Bill which would legalise flogging for political offences; whether there is any age limit proposed; and if he proposes to take any action?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Sir Samuel Hoare)In accord- 1731 ance with what appears to be a genuine public demand the Bombay Government have introduced a Bill to legalise whipping, not for political offences but for offences connected with rioting. The Bill does not touch on the question of an age limit. It is before the Legislature and there is no occasion for any action on my part.
§ Mr. BERNAYSAt a time when the number of offences for which flogging can be used in this country is decreasing, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it highly undesirable that they should be increased in India?
§ Sir S. HOAREThere is a strong feeling in Bombay that some further steps must be taken to restrain the rioting which has been so large a feature in Bombay. The matter is now being discussed by the Legislature, and it is essentially the duty of the Legislature to decide what action it shall take.
§ Mr. LOGANMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he thinks that the question of rioting which arises from political action, which is contrary to English administrative law, ought to operate in India, and whether he thinks that such action is likely to lead to further unrest, or not?
§ Sir S. HOAREMy answer to the last part of the question would be "No." I did not follow the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question.