§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for India the figures 3099W of the number of persons arrested for breaking the salt laws in India?
§ Mr. BENNThe Government of India reported on 13th April that the number of arrests since 6th April had been, at a rough estimate, 150. I cannot say whether all the arrests were made in respect of direct breaches of the Salt Laws.
§ Mr. FREEMANasked the Secretary of State for India under what Act have arrests been made in India for contravention of the Salt Laws; and what are the terms of the section or sections of the Act authorising such arrests?
§ Mr. BENNThe applicable Acts are the Indian Salt Act, 1882, the Bombay Salt Act, 1890, and the Madras Salt Act, 1889, copies of which are in the Library. Powers of arrest are contained in Section 17, Section 39 and Section 49 of these Acts respectively.
§ Mr. FREEMANasked the Secretary of State for India whether he was consulted with regard to the policy of the Government of India or the provincial governments in exercising discrimination when making arrests for contravention of the salt laws?
§ Mr. BENNI have throughout been in the closest touch with the Government of India as regards the campaign against the Salt Law.