§ 21. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the appellate judgment of the Calcutta High Court in the Midnapur case has received the attention of the Secretary of State, and, if so, what action the Secretary of State proposes to take in view of the effect upon public confidence in the administration of the law by the reversal of the original judgment, with severe strictures upon the proceedings of Mr. Justice Fletcher by Mr. Justice Woodroffe and the other appellate judges; and whether he will also state what was the cost of the said original trial and how much of the amount can be recovered from the nominal plaintiff in the case?
§ Mr. HAROLD BAKERThe Secretary of State has received the appellate judgment. 502 He is not aware of the necessity for taking any action with the object indicated by the hon. Member. The cost of the original civil trial was estimated at about £10,000, but the Secretary of State is not in possession of the exact figures, and has no information as to possible recoveries from the plaintiff.
§ Sir J. D. REESWill the Secretary of State take steps to inform himself of the loss of confidence in the administration of justice which has resulted from this case, and will he consider the case for compensation?
§ Mr. HAROLD BAKERI will lay the hon. Member's question.
§ Sir JOHN JARDINEWere there any severe strictures on the learned judge or only differences of opinion on matters of law such as the appellate court often expresses in its judgment?
§ Mr. HAROLD BAKERIf the hon. Member will give me notice I will endeavour to obtain an answer to his question.