§ 19. Mr. Barrasked the Secretary of State for India to what extent measures for the prohibition of the sale of intoxicating liquors were adopted by the Provincial Governments with the approval of the Local Legislatures; in how many districts these measures have been withdrawn or suspended in provinces now administered by governors under Section 93 of the Government of India Act, 1935; whether he is aware that in the case of Madras, where the prohibitory Act was passed with practical unanimity by the Legislature, its suspension has evoked widespread protests by municipal bodies and representative conferences; and whether steps will be taken to withdraw the order of suspension at an early date in accordance with local public opinion.
§ The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)Measures of prohibition have been introduced since 1937 in 30 districts spread over six Provinces either by or under special legislation or by executive action in the form of notifications under existing legislation. The notifications introducing prohibition in Bombay were declared illegal by the Bombay High Court. Apart from this, prohibition has been suspended in nine and relaxed in five districts in other Provinces, mainly because of lack of the public co-operation necessary for the enforcement of the law. There was some brief agitation in Madras against the suspension of prohibition there, but I see no reason to believe that, if re-introduced there, it would be any more successful than in the past.
§ Mr. BarrIn view of the well-known position and convictions of Moslems and of Hindus on subjects of this kind, does not the Minister think that it is more likely to alienate public opinion than to win India to our side, to take action 334 repressing the expressed views of those Provinces?
§ Mr. AmeryNo, Sir, I cannot say that. The Moslems, of course, are in a very small minority in Madras Province, and, I think, can be trusted to obey the dictates of their own religion. The trouble has been the very alarming increase in the production and consumption of unhealthy illicit liquor.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that it is really wise to override the decision of a representative body?