§ Mr. Attlee(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make about the assassination of Sir Michael O'Dwyer and the wounding of Lord Zetland and other distinguished persons at the Caxton Hall yesterday afternoon?
§ The Prime MinisterThe House will be aware from the reports which have appeared in the Press that at the conclusion of a meeting held yesterday afternoon at the Caxton Hall under the auspices of the East India Association and the Royal Central Asian Society several shots were fired by a man in the audience, with the result that Sir Michael O'Dwyer was killed and the Secretary of State for India, Lord Lamington and Sir Louis Dane were wounded. An Indian named Udham Singh who is believed to have been responsible for the outrage was seized by members of the audience and handed over to the police, and he has this morning been brought before the magistrate at Bow Street Police Court on a charge of murder. In these circumstances it would not be proper for me to make any comment on the facts of the case.
I know, however, that the House will wish to join with me in expressing our deep sense of sympathy with Lady O'Dwyer and her family in the sudden and tragic loss which they have suffered. The House will also desire to extend to those who were wounded their good wishes for a rapid recovery. I understand that their injuries, happily, were not grave, and that all are making satisfactory progress.
§ Mr. AttleeIs it not the fact that this abominable outrage will be as keenly resented by all the people of India as by the people of this country?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sure that that is so.
§ Sir W. DavisonIs the Prime Minister satisfied that adequate protection is given to the Secretary of State for India and other officials when attending meetings of this kind?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that it is possible to anticipate these occurrences.
§ Sir W. DavisonI mean, of course, protection from fanatics as well.
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesHas the attention of the Prime Minister been called to the very gallant conduct of an English lady last night in connection with this matter?