HC Deb 20 July 1910 vol 19 c1246
Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he could give a list of all the cases since the Report of the Police Commission of 1905 in which political tribunals in India had set aside convictions or refused to convict on the grounds that evidence for the prosecution was procured by torture or corruption?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)

Such cases are not necessarily reported to the Secretary of State, and I am not therefore able to give the list asked for by my hon. Friend.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Will there be any Reports of the Government of India on the subject sent over to this country?

Mr. MONTAGU

I understand the hon. Member to mean the judicial tribunals of India. For various causes cases are dismissed, but they are not necessarily reported, except in the public Press.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Will the hon. Member be prepared to issue a Return of the number of such cases if it is asked for?

Mr. MONTAGU

It would require a very careful analysis of the judicial procedure of India for the last five years; but if a question is put down I will consult my Noble Friend.

Sir J. D. REES

Are the lists of this character maintained by any other Administration in Asia?

Mr. MONTAGU

I do not know any—thing about that.