§ 4. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of Bengal have yet reported to the Government of India on the representations made to them by members of the Legislative Assembly alleging ill-treatment by the police of Congressmen arrested in connection with the recent Congress session; and, if not, when it is expected that the Report ordered over a month ago will be made?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe Government of India have just received the detailed report of the Commissioner of Police and the views of the Government of Bengal which show that the allegations are false. The Government of Bengal will be issuing a communique on the subject shortly.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDo we understand that the report will be made available to the general public?
§ Sir S. HOAREI had better have notice of that question. Certainly I shall be prepared to make a full statement on the subject, and I see no reason at the moment why the report should not be made available also.
§ Mr. MORGAN JONESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Pandit Malaviya has given very detailed information on the matter and has given the names of persons attacked, or alleged to have been attacked? In view of that fact, does the right hon. Gentleman not think it desirable to have a public inquiry into the matter?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am very sorry that so prominent an Indian public man as Pandit Malaviya has given his name to very vicious and false charges that have been made. The hon. Member will see, when the Government of Bengal make their statement on the subject, that from start to finish these charges have been false.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that Pandit Malaviya is generally recognised as a person who tells the truth?
§ Sir S. HOAREIt is all the more regrettable that on two occasions he should lend his name to thoroughly false and unsupported charges.
§ Sir BERTRAM FALLEWill proceedings be taken against any one for making these false statements?