§ Mr. MACKARNESSasked whether the Under-Secretary was now in a position to inform the House of the nature of the Report made by Mr. Commissioner Macpherson as to the conduct of the police 3 affected by the strictures of the High Court of Calcutta in the Midnapur conspiracy case; whether the Secretary of State is aware that the three police officers most gravely implicated have been given long leave of absence; and whether he has given his approval to this being permitted?
The MASTER of ELIBANKThe Secretary of State has not yet received Mr. Macpherson's report. It was completed and submitted to the Government of Bengal early in November, when the local Government took special measures to expedite its examination and consideration by them. According to the information received by the Secretary of State, it is not the case that the three police officers most gravely implicated have been given long leave of absence; Mr. Hyde, superintendent of police at Midnapur, has been granted a year's leave, but he was in no way concerned, and only took charge at Midnapur in September. The deputy-superintendent and an inspector against whom allegations have been made were granted respectively three months' and one month privilege leave on the conclusion of the Commissioner's enquiry, but they are available whenever they are required.
§ Sir H. COTTONHave they returned to their duty?