§ 42. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Indian propagandists for whom travelling facilities have been provided have included tendentious attacks on Indian political organisations in their lectures; and whether, in any broadcast talks or platform addresses, he will arrange that Indians with other points of view shall have the opportunity to refute criticisms and express their contrary viewpoint.
§ Mr. AmeryI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Indian gentlemen who have come here at the invitation of the Ministry of Information to speak about India's war effort. I am not aware that their addresses at the meetings arranged for them by the Ministry of Information have included matter of the kind suggested.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a statement was made in India that these gentlemen would not engage in any partisan attacks on Indian organisations, but that one of them has been doing this?
§ Mr. AmeryThese gentlemen may, at private meetings, have discussed social 1033 problems such as, for instance, the position of the scheduled castes, but they have not, as far I am aware, indulged in active political controversy.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the right hon. Gentleman investigate the matter in view of the fact that such tendentious statements are not in the best interests of these gentlemen or the cause they represent?
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs it necessary that questions in this House on India should always be asked on behalf of the Brahmins?