2. Lieut.-Colonel Sir ARNOLD WILSONasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to an American film, entitled "Lives of a Bengal Lancer," in which Muslems are sprinkled with pigs' blood and threatened with death in a pigskin by British officers; and whether, in the interests of good will between India and other countries, he has made any representations on the subject?
§ Mr. BUTLERThe Government of India's attention has been drawn to this film. They have not asked for representations to be made but they have powers to deal with films which they consider objectionable in India.
§ Sir A. WILSONHave the Government of India taken any action in regard to this film in India?
§ Mr. BUTLERI am not aware that they have taken any action in this case.
§ Mr. KIRKPATRICKWill my hon. Friend get into touch with the Government of India and point out to them that this film, certainly in this country, must do the greatest harm to our Moslem fellow-subjects?
§ Mr. BUTLERI have said that the attention of the Government of India has already been drawn to this film.
§ 3. Sir A. WILSONasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the wearing of uniforms closely resembling the uniform of Indian cavalry regiments by the attendants at a cinema at which the film entitled "Lives of a Bengal Lancer" is now being shown; and whether he will take action in the matter under the Uniforms Act, 1894?
§ Mr. BUTLERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second in the negative.
§ Sir A. WILSONHas my hon. Friend seen the uniforms; and is he aware that during the Jubilee year celebrations these 4 men, masquerading for profit in uniforms of the Indian Army, are to be seen on the route of the Royal Procession?
§ Mr. BUTLERWe have made careful investigation, and, having examined the uniforms, we have come to the conclusion that while the dress in question bears a general resemblance to them, it is in fact a fancy dress which does not exactly represent the uniform of any particular regiment, and we do not think there is any danger of bringing the uniform of His Majesty's Forces into ridicule and contempt. Therefore, there is no ground for action.
§ Sir A. WILSONIs my hon. Friend aware that the Act of 1894 definitely prohibits uniforms having a general resemblance to those of the forces, and that an exact reproduction is not necessary to bring such a matter within the Act?
§ Mr. BUTLERWe have taken that question into consideration. We do not think that in the circumstances this is bringing the uniform into ridicule and contempt.