HC Deb 23 June 1938 vol 337 cc1255-6
46. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of proposing the appointment of a British or International Commission to examine the conditions under which police bombing takes place on the northwest frontier of India with a view to informing public opinion generally on the subject?

The Prime Minister

The conditions regulating the use of bombing on the north-west frontier have often been publicly stated, and I would refer the hon. Member in particular to the statement contained in Command Paper No. 5495 of June, 1937. I see no necessity for the appointment of any Commission as suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. Mander

In view of the real anxiety felt on this subject both in this country and abroad, and the attacks that are being made on Britain's good name in connection with it, does not the Prime Minister think that it would be desirable in the public interest to obtain some impartial report which will command confidence?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.

Mr. Pilkington

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether so humane a method of police bombing is carried out by any other country in the world?