Riots, Cawnpore.

Oral Answers to Questions — India. – in the House of Commons at on 6 July 1931.

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Photo of Mr John Remer Mr John Remer , Macclesfield

4.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has now received the evidence given before the commission of inquiry at Cawnpore; and if he is prepared to publish it?

Photo of Captain William Benn Captain William Benn , Aberdeen North

I received late last week copies of the evidence which is contained in 17 files amounting to 1,833 foolscap pages of typescript. I have just been informed by the Government of India that they are taking steps to print the evidence in India; and I have asked them to let me have as soon as possible copies which I will place in the Library on receipt.

Photo of Mr John Remer Mr John Remer , Macclesfield

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects the evidence will be available here?

Photo of Captain William Benn Captain William Benn , Aberdeen North

I cannot say how long it will take to got it printed and sent here, but the moment it reaches me it will be available.

Photo of Mr John Remer Mr John Remer , Macclesfield

If the right hon. Gentleman has copies of the evidence, could it not be printed at once?

Photo of Captain William Benn Captain William Benn , Aberdeen North

I do not think that I should be justified in making a special separate print of this very bulky document.

Photo of Mr David Kirkwood Mr David Kirkwood , Dumbarton District of Burghs

I thought the hon. Member was in favour of economy?

Photo of Mr John Remer Mr John Remer , Macclesfield

Is it not a fact that it must be three or four weeks before we can see the evidence here?

Photo of Mr John Remer Mr John Remer , Macclesfield

5.

asked the Secretary of Slate for India what was the official position of Mr. Sale during the Cawnpore riots, and if in that position he had any superior officers in charge at Cawnpore at that time; and, if so, if he will state the names of those officers?

Photo of Captain William Benn Captain William Benn , Aberdeen North

Mr. Sale's appointment was that of magistrate and collector, Cawnpore. As the report of the commission indicates, the Commissioner of the Division, Kunwar Maharaj Singh, was in Cawnpore from 26th to 30th March inclusive, and the Governor, Sir George Lambert, who was accompanied by the Home Member, Nawab Sir Muhammad Ahmad Said Khan of Chhitari, on 28th March. The presence of superior officers in the district of a collector does not involve their taking over charge from him nor does it necessarily affect the balance of respective responsibilities.