HC Deb 30 November 1936 vol 318 cc816-8
9. Mr. JAGGER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many Socialists and persons engaged in the organisation of peasants or labour unions are now undergoing imprisonment or under restraint orders or orders of externment from or internment in specified areas?

Mr. BUTLER

I am not in possession of this information. No persons are imprisoned or have their movements restrained because they are engaged in genuine trade union organisation work.

Mr. JAGGER

Could the hon. Member not let us have the number of Socialists in gaol?

13. Miss WILKINSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will publish the information on which his statements concerning Mr. Masani, the secretary of the Socialist party in India, are founded?

Mr. BUTLER

I have nothing to add to the full statement I made on 10th November.

Miss WILKINSON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that full statement told us precisely nothing, and that is why this question has been put down? Can we have something more definite?

Mr. BUTLER

I based my statement on information received by me from the Governors of the two Provinces and the Government of India, and I gave certain other facts, and I think it would be well if the hon. Lady would read my statement again.

Miss WILKINSON

I have read it.

12. Mr. MORGAN JONES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mrs. Kamala Chattopadhayya, a member of the Socialist Party Executive of India, has been refused a passport to visit this country and to travel in Europe; and why such action has been taken by the Indian administration?

Mr. BUTLER

The matter would appear to be one for the authorities in India, and I have no information beyond what I have seen in the Press.

Mr. JONES

May we take it that persons who regard themselves as Socialists are on that account precluded from coming to England or to Europe?

Mr. BUTLER

Not on account of their Socialist activities as distinct from Communist or revolutionary activities.

Mr. JONES

Has the hon. Gentleman any evidence to show that this lady was open to this charge?

Mr. BUTLER

I imagine that the authorities in India were satisfied.