§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked the Secretary of State for India, Whether it is true, as stated in the "Times" of August 1, that the mortality in the gaols of the principal provinces of India has for two years averaged from 8 to 11 990 per cent, per annum; and, if so, whether, considering that after many years discussions and great expenditure the mortality is still so large, he will take steps to make very searching inquiry into the subject?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONSir, it is true that the mortality for the years 1878 and 1879 in the gaols of Bengal, Madras, Bombay, the Punjab, and Central Provinces ranged from 8 in Bengal to 12 per cent in the Punjab. My attention has already been directed, among other matters, to the mortality of Indian gaols. I have communicated by telegraph with the Viceroy, and am now awaiting a promised despatch on the subject. Meanwhile, I have requested a Committee of the Council of India to investigate the Returns on the subject which are already at the India Office.