§ MR. O'DONNELLasked the Secretary of State for India, What steps have been taken to reduce the mortality in the Bengal Gaols, since the last Report showed that, though less than in the exceptional year of 1879, it was still immensely higher than among the free population of all conditions?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONSince I presented certain Papers in July last the only additional information which has been received on the subject referred to in the Question is contained in a recent despatch from the Government of India. It is there stated that, in consequence of my despatch of the 25th of May—which is among the Papers presented—a Circular has been addressed to the various local governments with a view to insure greater vigilance in the matter of mortality. The Government of India consider that the diet scales now in force are sufficient to keep the prisoners in good health; but they have their attention still specially directed to the subject. They remark—and no doubt with reason—that the 369 returns of deaths among the free population cannot be relied upon in the same sense as those of the deaths in gaol, where every case is strictly recorded; but the Government of India promise to send home annually a general review of gaol statistics, which will be carefully scrutinized.
§ MR. O'DONNELLasked whether the noble Marquess would direct inquiries to be made as to the effect, not only of the dietary scale, but also of the absence of ventilation and the overcrowding upon the health of the prisoners confined in those gaols? And also, whether he would take steps to ascertain whether it was true that the prisoners had to lie upon mounds of earth instead of upon beds; and whether these mounds of earth, having been used by generations of prisoners, were not often soaked with disease?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe subject to which the hon. Member refers is now under the consideration of the Government of India, and they are now making the inquiries which the hon. Member desires should be made.