HC Deb 29 May 1933 vol 278 cc1525-6
5. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to make a full statement on the report made to the Government of India by the Government of Bengal on the representations made by members of the Legislative Assembly alleging ill-treatment by the police; whether the report can now be published; and whether he will instruct the Government of India to hold a public inquiry into the matter with a view to prosecuting those responsible for making the statements, if they prove to be false or unwarranted?

Sir S. HOARE

A statement giving in detail the conclusions of the Government of Bengal which are endorsed by the Government of India, will be issued in India this evening. When I receive it, a copy will be placed in the Library. There is no occasion for any further inquiries.

Mr. WILLIAMS

In view of the statement that the right hon. Gentleman made last week, with regard to the untruthful allegations that had been made, will he either have a full inquiry made into the whole of the allegations, or prosecute the people who made the untruthful statements?

Sir S. HOARE

We have had a full inquiry made, as the hon. Member will see from the report in the Library of the House. The people who made the charges against the police are entitled, if they so wish, to take their charges to a court of law.

Mr. WILLIAMS

As the evidence seems to show that the statements were wholly untrue and misleading, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is the duty of the Government of India to institute proceedings against the people who are alleged to have made the statements?

Sir S. HOARE

No, Sir. The evidence, so far from showing that, shows exactly the opposite, namely, that there was no ground for the charges.

Mr. WILLIAMS

I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman misunderstood what I asked. I asked whether, if the statements were made by Malaviya and others, which the right hon. Gentleman last week characterised as being wholly untrue, he will advise the authorities to institute proceedings against Malaviya or any other person who made those statements?

Sir S. HOARE

It is quite unnecessary to take a step of that kind. I am satisfied, and so are the Government of India, that there is no ground for the charges.