§ 35. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information respecting disturbances in India during the last fortnight; how many punishments by flogging have taken place since last March; whether he now has any particulars respecting murder by burning; and when a full report and statistics on loss of life, destruction of property, defiance of the law, criminal acts and number of arrests is likely to be available?
§ The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)Apart from an attack on a 1688 police station in Bihar there have been no reports of mob violence in the past fortnight. Sabotage in minor forms and other symptoms of lawlessness persist in Bengal and Bombay, and one case of derailment with loss of life is reported from Assam. As regards the remainder of the Question my information is not complete and up-to-date, but I have asked the Government of India to furnish me with a comprehensive report on the points referred to.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the right hon. Gentleman say when that report is likely to be available, and, meanwhile, is there any evidence of murder by burning?
§ Mr. AmeryI have telegraphed for a report, which, naturally being a full one, will, I presume, take a little time to complete, and it will come by air mail. There certainly were at least two cases of murder by burning.