§ 5. Mr. GALLACHERasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a peasants' conference which was held at Darbhanga on 4th June was ordered to be broken up by the release of elephants; and whether he will issue instructions for the use of elephants for such purposes to be discontinued?
§ Mr. BUTLERI understand that an attempt, including the driving of an elephant into the crowd, was made by agents of the estate to break up a Kisan meeting. There is no question of action of this kind being taken under the orders of officers of Government, and there is no occasion to issue any instructions in the matter.
§ Mr. GALLACHERWas any action taken by the Government against those who were responsible for driving an elephant into the crowd?
§ Mr. BUTLERI am afraid that the Government cannot make themselves responsible for all private actions in India.
§ Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXCould not some of these elephants be brought to England?