§ 4. Mr. Thurtleasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will explain why the "Left Book News," published by a reputable firm of publishers in this country, has been prohibited entry into India by the Indian Government; and whether the possession of a copy of this publication in British India, or in any province thereof, would render the person concerned liable to imprisonment?
§ Mr. ButlerCopies of this publication have been found to contain articles of a Communist nature, the importation of which into India is considered undesirable. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. ThurtleIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a perfectly innocuous publisher's circular, which merely gives a summary of books that this publishing firm is trying to sell, and will he in these circumstances not reconsider his decision?
§ Brigadier-General Sir Henry CroftIs it not a fact that the reputable publisher was standing on a platform of Communism in the Albert Hall last night?
§ Mr. ThurtleIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill) has been on a platform with Communists, too?
§ Mr. ButlerI am aware that this publication contains a rather mixed bag, but it does contain certain material which is of a Communist nature and the importation of which the authorities regard as undesirable.