HC Deb 18 May 1909 vol 5 cc206-7
Mr. O'GRADY

asked the Under-Secretary whether he has received official information that the Alipur bomb conspiracy trial has come to an end; if so, can he say how long it lasted; how many persons were arrested and charged; and how many were convicted; whether all the accused persons were imprisoned during the whole trial; and whether they were brought to and from the court in handcuffs?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

As yet the Secretary of State has only telegraphic information of the result of the trial, which, including the proceedings preliminary to committal, lasted about a year. The number of persons originally arrested is not exactly known, but 36 persons were committed for trial, of whom 19 were convicted. It is believed that all the persons committed were kept in custody during the trial (the offences charged were non-bailable). The Secretary of State has no information as to whether they were handcuffed while being brought to and from the court, but he will inquire.

Sir HENRY COTTON

Is it not a fact that the prisoners were brought into court with their legs ironed, and that the Chief Justice ordered their removal in court?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I have no information upon that point.