HC Deb 30 March 1882 vol 268 c304
MR. O'DONNELL

asked the Secretary of State for India, What steps he has taken, if any, to ascertain the responsible persons for the excess mortality in the Bengal Gaols during the year of reduced dietary; and, what steps, if any, he has taken to bring such persons to trial and punishment?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

Sir, I have been in communication with the Government of India as to the causes of mortality in Indian gaols, and especially in those of Bengal during the year 1879, and despatches on the subject have recently been received from that Government, the latest having arrived by last mail. The Government of India appears to have inquired carefully into the question, and in their opinion, as stated in their Resolution of the 3rd of February last— There is no reason to believe that the prisoners anywhere died in excess numbers during 1879 because they were insufficiently fed. The matter, however, is still under the consideration of the Secretary of State in Council.