HC Deb 18 May 1909 vol 5 cc227-9
Mr. MACKARNESS

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that on the 6th March the Viceroy of India telegraphed to the Secretary of State that there was no widespread movement of a seditious nature in India, and that the general state of the country was not dangerous, and that all the courts of justice are open and in full operation for the punishment of crime he can now inform this House, without detriment to the public interest, upon what grounds His Majesty's Government sanction the continued imprisonment of the nine British subjects who in December last were deported from their homes without charge or trial

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. C. Hobhouse)

The action taken under Regulation III. of 1818 is preventive and not punitive, and it is not in any way inconsistent with the condition of affairs described by the hon. Member. His Majesty's Government are of opinion that it would be contrary to the public interests to give the information for which he asks.

Mr. MACKARNESS

Is it the fact that the Viceroy's telegram five or six weeks ago stated that the condition of India was not dangerous?

Mr. C. HOBHOUSE

The information which the hon. Gentleman asked for His Majesty's Government say they are not in a position to give, and do not intend to give.

Mr. MACKARNESS

Is it the fact that the Viceroy telegraphed five or six weeks ago that the condition of India was in no way dangerous, and is it not the fact that the courts of law are in full operation?

Mr. C. HOBHOUSE

Yes, that is so.

Mr. MACKARNESS

Is there any precedent under these circumstances for deporting and imprisoning for an indefinite time British subjects who have never been informed of any charge against them?

Mr. C. HOBHOUSE

The hon. Member knows very well that under the Regulations of 1818 the Government have that power, and have exercised it, and if necessity arose I understand they will exercise it again.

Mr. J. D. REES

May I ask whether the fact that the general state of the country in India is not dangerous is not due in a great measure to the deportation of those who incite students to crime, while carefully safeguarding their own skins?

Mr. SPEAKER

Order, order. There are enough questions on the Paper.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Prime Minister whether he can afford the House an early opportunity of fully considering the circumstances connected with the deportation without trial, and without disclosure of the charge against them, of a number of law-abiding subjects of the Crown of good social standing in India?

The PRIME MINISTER

The subject was fully discussed in the Debate on the Address upon an Amendment which was moved by the hon. Member for the Newbury Division and rejected. I am not aware that anything has since occurred that renders further discussion desirable under the present circumstances.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Has not this House a right to know the conditions under which these men have been deported?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is a matter of opinion. I cannot add to the answer I have given.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

I beg to give notice that at the close of questions I shall ask for leave to move the adjournment to consider this matter.

Mr. MACKARNESS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of any precedent for refusing the House of Commons information as to the reasons why British subjects have been deported without charge in a time of peace and when the Courts of Justice are open?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must have notice of that question.

Mr. LUPTON

Is it the reason that no notice is given to the men of these charges because it is found when a charge is made that it is generally found to be false?