§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked the Under-Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the trial of the Midnapur Damage Suits has now 2447 been proceeding for nearly one hundred days; whether any idea has been formed of how long this trial is to last; and whether the Government of India is considering the length of trials in relation to the arrears of judicial work?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Secretary of State is aware that the proceedings in the Midnapur suit have been greatly prolonged. But the case is of an unusual character, and a very large number of witnesses have been, and still are, to be examined. The case for the defence was only opened on 29th December, and it is stated that there are ninety witnesses to be examined. It is difficult to say when judgment will be delivered. No inference can be drawn from this particular suit as to the question referred to in the last part of the question.