§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Press Act carried through the Viceregal Legislative Council on 8th February gives power to a local government to repress a newspaper on the ground of its being mischievous; and, if so, what steps have the Government taken to ensure a right of appeal to the High Court on the merits of such cases as may come within the machinery of the Act?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for INDIA (Mr. E. S. Montagu)The heads of this measure were submitted to
470WThe Secretary of State, and approved before its introduction. The text of the Act will be found in the "Gazette" of India, which is expected by the next mail, and will be placed in the Library of the House. The Act empowers local Governments to require owners of printing presses to deposit security in certain cases, and to declare that security forfeit in the event of an offence being committed under the Act. After a second offence the order of forfeiture may be extended to the press itself. Provision is made for an appeal to the High Court against any order of forfeiture made under the Act.