§ 74. Mr. KELLYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Bengal gaols inquiry committee, appointed last January, has reported that the warders were found to be slack and not infrequently corrupt; that to remedy these defects they proposed that the pay of the warders should be increased, the staff increased, and the condition of their service improved; and whether any action has been taken in the matter?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Earl Winterton)The Report referred to contains statements the effect stated, but the interval once it was made has been too short to enable me to say what action has been taken regarding it.
§ Mr. KELLYCan any indication be given as to when we are likely to have the result of this consideration?
§ Earl WINTERTONNo, Sir, there are a great many points besides those mentioned by the hon. Member to be considered. For example, there is the recommendation to the effect that the Bengal detinus are given too much liberty in gaol, and attention is called to the fact that these people have been playing badminton and tennis in the sight of other convicts. All these matters require careful attention, especially in view of the strong feeling in the matter which has been evinced on the benches opposite.