§ Mr. Coveasked the Under-Secretary of State for India under what circumstances "Searchlight," of Patna, the Indian National Congress daily, of Bihar, was asked on 7th November, 1945, to deposit a security of Rs.2,000 under the Press (Emergency Powers) Act; why the Press (Emergency Powers) Act is being continued in India today when hostilities are over; and will he take immediate steps to abolish this Act which is constantly hampering the Indian Press from performing its legitimate function of free expression of opinion.
§ Mr. A. HendersonI am informed that the Government of Bihar took the action referred to under the provisions of Section 3 of the Press (Emergency Powers) Act, 1931. I am not aware of the published matter which caused the Provincial authorities to take action, but I am asking the Government of India for further information. The Press (Emergency 1043W Powers) Act is not a wartime measure but an enactment passed by the Indian Legislature in 1931, and its abolition would be a matter for the consideration of the Legislature.