HC Deb 10 June 1913 vol 53 c1406
7. Mr. O'GRADY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the verdict in the case of James Henderson, who was fined Rs.100 for violence against a mill hand working at the Victoria Jute Mill, near Calcutta, resulting in the death of the man, the magistrate who tried the case stating that there was dangerous and unnecessary violence and that Henderson was criminally careless of possible results; and whether, having regard to the difference in treatment of Indians and Europeans when before the Courts on crimes of this character, the Government will consider the question of deporting and excluding the man Henderson from India for all time?

Mr. MONTAGU

I have seen only a newspaper report of the trial, from which it appears that the mill coolie's death was due to cholera. Mr. Henderson was convicted of having twenty days previously voluntarily caused hurt by kicking the man, who, it was stated in evidence, had engaged in a drunken quarrel with a native woman in the mill. The Secretary of State is not prepared to take action in the case.

Mr. O'GRADY

Is the value of this man's life £7?