§ Mr. GEORGE GOOCHasked the Under-Secretary for India whether the Secretary of State had yet received official information as to whether the cases of the nine British subjects who were deported from Bengal last December without charge or trial have now been reconsidered by the Government of India; and, if so, with what result?
§ Mr. J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary for India whether the cases of the nine deported Bengalis came up this month for reconsideration by the Government of India, or were merely reported in the manner prescribed by the Regulation as a matter of administrative routine?
The MASTER of ELIBANKThe Regulation requires the officer, in whose custody a State prisoner is, to submit twice a year a report to the Government of India on the "conduct, health, and comfort" of such State prisoner, in order that the Government of India may determine whether the orders for his detention shall continue in force or be modified.
§ Mr. GOOCHMay I ask whether it is not also obligatory on the Government to consider the whole policy of the deportation of these prisoners, and not merely their detention?
§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDAre we to understand that the Government of India is not reconsidering the policy that has been pursued?
§ Mr. MACKARNESSHow much longer will they have to be detained; can the right hon. Gentleman say?