§ 10. Mr. MORGAN JONESasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can assure the House that complete liberty is being afforded to all political parties and organisations in India to present their programme to the electorate either by speech or by means of literature?
§ Mr. BUTLERI would refer the hon. Member to the speeches of the Home Member and the Law Member in the Indian Legislative Assembly on the 1st and 8th October, of which I will send him a copy. The Government of India have lately called special attention to the subject, emphasising the necessity 482 for strict impartiality on the part of Government officers, and I am satisfied that all political parties are free to carry out all legitimate activities in their election campaign.
§ Mr. JONESI wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.
§ 12. Mr. SORENSENasked the Undo' Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that it is proposed to place differently coloured ballot boxes in urban areas during elections; and whether this will also be done in rural areas where they would be most needed?
§ Mr. BUTLERI understand that some local governments intend to adopt this system for all constituencies, one at least for urban but not for certain rural areas, while other local governments do not propose to adopt the system at all. The choice in the matter lies with the local government concerned.
§ Mr. SORENSENWill the hon. Gentleman use his influence to establish the method of coloured ballot boxes at the elections, particularly in the rural areas where, obviously, there will be a larger proportion of illiterate voters than in the urban areas?
§ Mr. BUTLERI must leave the matter to the local government. In certain cases they find the system of symbols and other systems more effective.
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSWill the supporters of the respective candidates be permitted to wear uniforms to match the ballot boxes?
§ Sir A. KNOXDoes not the necessity for these ballot boxes show that the whole system is a farce?
§ 13. Mr. SORENSENasked the Under-Secretary of State for India what steps are being taken to prevent court of wards in Allahabad and elsewhere from encouraging the active opposition of officials to Congress candidates and from mischievous interference with the freedom of electors?
§ Mr. BUTLERI would refer the hon. Member to an extract from a speech by the Home Member in the Indian Legislative Assembly on 8th October dealing with this matter, of which I will send him a copy.