§ 29. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India the reason for the suppression of the "Bombay Sentinel"; and how many journals and newspapers have been suppressed or suspended since the beginning of the war.
§ Mr. AmeryI understand that the "Bombay Sentinel" was suppressed last April as the result of action contrary to the restrictions imposed by the Government of Bombay, for security reasons, on the dissemination of news relating to the Bombay explosion of 14th April. The order suppressing the paper was cancelled by the Government of Bombay on 20th April, on the receipt of satisfactory assurances for the future. I have not the information needed to answer the latter part of the Question.
§ Mr. SorensenWould it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to get some approximate figure by the time we meet again, in seven weeks, as to the number of journals and newspapers that have been suspended?
§ Mr. AmeryIt would involve a great deal of work, inquiring of all the provincial authorities as to what they may have done over the last five years.