§ 1. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the recent theft of 200 lbs. of dynamite from the Udaipur State Railway; and whether he will suggest to the Government of India that adequate steps shall be taken to guard explosives?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Sir Samuel Hoare)I have seen a Press report of this incident. The State authorities, not the Government of India, are primarily responsible for the necessary protective measures. I am sure that they fully realise the importance of ensuring that explosives do not fall into unlawful hands.
§ Sir A. KNOXIs it not a fact that a large quantity of dynamite was stolen from Dehra Dun public works department only a few months ago and that some of it was afterwards traced to Bengal terrorists?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe hon. and gallant Member's question was concerned with the affairs of an Indian State and I see 1322 no reason, from the information at my disposal, to intervene.
§ Sir A. KNOXGenerally, as regards the Indian States and British India, could not special instructions be issued in order to protect this dynamite?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe Government of India and the Indian States are fully alive to the risks and are, in my view, taking every practicable precaution.