HC Deb 05 June 1939 vol 348 c4
4. Mr. Wise

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will give an assurance, in the interests of the primitive tribes of India, who depend for their health on spirits distilled from jungle pro ducts, that Governors will exercise the special powers conferred upon them, and protect the partially-excluded areas from the operation of Prohibition Acts?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I feel sure that the Governors can be trusted to bear their special responsibilities in mind when considering any proposal for the extension of prohibition to the partially-excluded areas.

Mr. Cecil Wilson

Is it not a fact that there has been very careful research into the conditions of these tribes; and when Mr. Tupper's report is received, will it not receive full consideration?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

I shall be very grateful to the hon. Member if he will give me any information that he has on this matter.

Mr. Robert Gibson

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what these tribes are, what are their names and in what respects they are primitive?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

If the hon. and learned Member wants their names accurately, will he put the question down?