§ 26. Mr. WEDGWOODasked whether Mr. Arnold is still in prison; and what the India Office proposes to do in the matter?
Mr. BAKERMr. Arnold is still in prison. The Secretary of State understands that; as yet application for special leave to appeal has not been nude to the Privy Council. At the present stage I can add nothing to the information already before the House.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODDo the Indian Government propose to leave Mr. Arnold in prison, making no inquiry whatever into the conduct of the Civil servants concerned, and for how long?
Mr. BAKERNot at all. The moment the question is decided by Mr. Arnold as to whether he will apply for special leave to appeal, something will be done. If he 400 applies for an appeal then the question of bail will arise, and if it is decided not to appeal the question of the severity of the sentence will be considered.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Arnold's law agent is now in this country arranging for the appeal to the Privy Council, and in these circumstances cannot he advise that Mr. Arnold be allowed out on bail until the appeal is taken?
Mr. BAKERYes, Sir, I am well aware that Mr. Arnold's law agent is now in this country. The Secretary of State is only waiting until he takes some step, and then he will consider the matter.
§ Sir J. D. REESDid not Mr. Arnold receive a trial on appeal by a full bench of the Chief Court of Burma, and is there any reason for showing any sympathy towards a man whose offence was so grievous and so desperately—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter of controversy.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYIs not the real difficulty the very great cost of carrying an appeal to the Privy Council; is not the cost being met in Burma by subscriptions, and has not a very large sum been subscribed by poor people; and in these circumstances will not the India Office take action?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is in the nature of a speech. I would remind hon. Members that there are over 100 questions on the Paper which are waiting their turn to be asked.