HC Deb 18 March 1935 vol 299 cc799-800
5. Duchess of ATHOLL

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Government of Bengal have recently empowered 22 district magistrates of 22 districts in Bengal out of 27 to exercise the powers specified in Sub-section (1) of Section 25 of the Suppression of Terrorist Outrages Act, and have also invested with the power of a special magistrate 11 magistrates of the first class; and whether this extension of powers is due to a strengthening of the terrorist movement?

Sir S. HOARE

I have seen the relevant notifications in the Calcutta Gazette. They appear to be purely a matter of administration and there is no reason to take them as an indication that there has been any strengthening of the terrorist movement.

Duchess of ATHOLL

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any assurance that the movement is not increasing in Bengal or elsewhere?

Sir S. HOARE

I do not like to give an assurance about a movement of this character. I can, however, say that outrages have tended to fall off, and that the measures that we are taking appear to be more and more effective.

Duchess of ATHOLL

Has the right hon. Gentleman proof that recruiting for the movement has ceased in Bengal?

Sir S. HOARE

The Noble Lady had better put down a question of that kind.