HC Deb 06 April 1909 vol 3 cc899-900
Mr. MACKARNESS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is yet in a position to make any statement as to the length of time during which it is intended by the Government of India to keep in prison the nine British subjects who were deported from their homes without charge or trial in December last?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA

(Mr. Buchanan): I am unable to add anything to the answer I gave to the hon. Member's question on the same subject last Tuesday.

Mr. MACKARNESS

Is the Secretary of State aware that neither at the time of their arrest, nor at any time since, have any of these prisoners been informed of what offence they were charged by the Government of India, and that their continued imprisonment is regarded by Liberals in this country as contrary to natural justice?

Mr. BUCHANAN

That is a question put to me on several occasions, to which I have often given the same answer.

Mr. LUPTON

Is the Secretary of State aware of these facts?

Mr. BUCHANAN

Certainly he is aware of them.

Mr. MACKARNESS

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether it is proposed, by regulation or otherwise, under the Indian Councils Bill to impose any electoral or political disqualification upon British subjects who have been deported from their homes without being convicted of any criminal offence?

Mr. BUCHANAN

The Secretary of State is not yet in a position to give a full answer to this question; but the fact of a candidate having been arrested under Regulation III. of 1818 will not be prescribed as a definite and permanent disqualification for a seat on a Legislative Council.

Mr. REES

May I ask whether it is desirable that the Government of India should make its antagonists its advisers?

Mr. BUCHANAN

That is a question of opinion, I think.

Mr. MACKARNESS

May I ask whether before any disqualification, permanent or otherwise, is imposed upon anyone deported he will be informed of the offence for which he was deported?

Mr. BUCHANAN

That is an ingenious attempt of my hon. Friend to get in for the second time the question put to me a moment ago.

Mr. MACKARNESS

With great respect—

Mr. SPEAKER

Order, order. The hon. Member will put any further questions down.