§ 5. Mr. MAXTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that political prisoners in the Benares Gaol, United Provinces, are asked to work a mill for extracting mustard oil, and that they are blind folded while yoked to these mills; whether any protest against such treat- 5 ment was made in India; and what orders have been passed, if any, on such protests?
§ Mr. RICHARDSI have no information as to the particular case referred to, but the whole question of the treatment of prisoners included in what is known as the Special Division was very fully considered last year by the Governments in India and the Secretary of State in the light of the Indian Gaols Committee Report, and if the prisoners in question came under the above category, they are no doubt being treated in accordance with the principles laid down.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWill my hon. Friend make inquiries as to whether the facts are as stated in the question?
§ Mr. RICHARDSYes. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I will.