HC Deb 28 September 1909 vol 11 cc1069-70
Dr. RUTHERFORD

asked whether, in view of the finding of the Police Commission appointed by Lord Curzon, that torture, both physical and moral, were resorted to by the police as a means of extorting evidence, and the judicial utterances lately made which point to the continuance of this practice, the Secretary of State will recommend to the Government of India the immediate and total prohibition of every form of torture?

Mr. REES

Before the hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask whether there is any justification for the suggestion that the Government of India does, or ever did, tolerate torture?

The MASTER of ELIBANK

The answer to the hon. Gentleman is contained in my reply to the hon. Member for Brentford. In reply to the hon. Member's question it is true that according to the somewhat descriptive summary of the evidence before the Police Commission of 1902, isolated acts of tyranny appear to have taken place, but the report adds that the failings of the force are partly due to the attitude and tendencies of the people themselves. The hon. Member's question conveys the wholly erroneous impression that torture on the part of the police is prevalent throughout India and is countenanced by the Indian Governments. The Government of India since the publication of the Report six years ago has done and is doing its utmost to eradicate abuses, to improve the discipline, and to raise the standard of a force that is drawn almost wholly from the general Indian population; it is only fair to the heads of the police in India to add that their endeavours in this direction are meeting with substantial success.

Dr. RUTHERFORD

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if there has not been at least two cases—one just given by my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham in question number three, and the other in my own question, number six?

The MASTER of ELIBANK

There has been an isolated case of tyranny, but I do not think there is any case such as that to which my hon. Friend refers. The Government have not yet concluded its inquiries into the subject, and I do not think it is fair at this juncture to anticipate or to comment on what took place.

Dr. RUTHERFORD

Do I understand the Government are taking steps to prevent any torture in the future?

The MASTER of ELIBANK

That is not the question. The authorities in India, of course, do their duty by taking all steps necessary.

Mr. MACKARNESS

May I ask whether the Commission to which he referred was not presided over by the late Governor of Bengal?