Dr. RUTHERFORDasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Secretary of State had had his attention called to a petition presented to the Government of India by the wife of Mr. Aswini Dutt, who had been for upwards of four months imprisoned without charge or trial; whether he was aware that the petition cited a number of testimonials given at various times by Anglo-Indian officials, including lieutenant-governors, to the high character and work of Mr. Dutt as an educationalist and social reformer; whether the Secretary of State had any reason to doubt the accuracy of those testimonials; and, if not, whether he would take them into consideration in determining how much longer Mr. Dutt was to be detained in prison without being given an opportunity of answering any charges that may have been made against him?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse, replying in the absence of Mr. Buchanan)The Secretary of State has not seen the petition; but he is sufficiently informed as to Mr. Dutt's character and work, and he sees no reason to think that it is desirable for him to take into special consideration the testimonials referred to.
§ Mr. JOHN ROBERTSON (on behalf of Mr. A. H. Scott)asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he was aware that the wife of Mr. Aswini Kumar Dutt, one of the British subjects in India who, in December last, was deported from 173 his home without charge or trial, had presented a petition to the Viceroy asking to be made aware of the reasons of State which led to her husband's deportation, alleging his readiness to meet any charges that could be brought against him, and praying that, on the ground of his ill-health and the peace and quiet prevailing in the district, he might be released from prison; whether the Viceroy had made any reply to this petition, and, if so, whether the Secretary of State was aware what that reply was?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe Secretary of State is aware that Mr. Dutt's wife submitted a memorial, stating that he was suffering from diabetes and expressing apprehension as to the effects of imprisonment on his health; the Viceroy was able to inform her in reply that her husband's health had in fact improved since his arrival at Lucknow and continued good.
§ Mr. JOHN ROBERTSONHas the Secretary of State taken into account the position and work of Mr. Aswini Dutt?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI have answered that question in reply to the hon. Member for Brentford.