§ Mr. D. GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for India (1) on what grounds notices were recently served on persons living in the district of Contai, in Midnapur, that they were to present themselves on the route of march to welcome soldiers of the Royal Garhwali Regiment and to salute the British flag; and whether force was applied to compel persons to leave their homes and to carry out this order;
(2) the number of civilians apprehended for failing to carry out orders to attend military parades; and under what statutory authority civilians in India are required to leave their homes and employment to attend parades and military ceremonies?
§ Sir S. HOAREWith the object of ensuring that when a regiment is on the march its progress is made an occasion of some formality and ceremony, the Bengal Troops Manual, 1914, provides for the issue of invitations to local gentlemen to be present on the arrival of troops. In the instance referred to by the hon. Member, the notices sent out by1594W the sub-divisional officer, Contai, seem to have been expressed more peremptorily than is contemplated by the Manual. No force, however, was used to compel attendance, nor was anyone apprehended for failure to attend.