asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the circumstances attending the public execution of two dacoits in the presence of an assembly of 10,000 people, at Shahdadkot (Sind), last August; and whether it is his intention to forbid a repetition of this practice?

I have considered the report supplied to me by the authorities in India on this case, and have come to the conclusion that the action of the Government of Bombay was justified by the very exceptional circumstances, and that the power to order a public execution cannot entirely be withdrawn. I am satisfied that it will only be used, if at all, in the essential interests of the maintenance of law and order.

In view of the fact that similar exhibitions are expressly prohibited in areas under the control of the Colonial Office, cannot we get an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that this kind of thing will be absolutely prohibited in India?

I cannot go further than the answer I have given. Recourse to this practice is had only in the most exceptional circumstances, and I think the conditions of the country must be taken into account. If the hon. Member would like to see the material documents in the case, I shall be happy to show them to him.