§ 42. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether the Bengal Government has taken any action in the question of investigating the position of persons interned in Bengal or by the Bengal Government; and whether such action, in any, as has been taken originated with the Bengal Government or with the Government of India?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Fisher)I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement regarding revolutionary crime made by the Governor of Bengal at the meeting of the Legislative Council on 20th November. Lord Ronaldshay said that one of the first acts of his Government was to propose the appointment of a strong Committee of Indians and Europeans, with a judge of the High Court of England at the head, to investigate the whole subject, and that, apart from this inquiry, his Government were prepared to submit the case of every person whom they proposed to intern to two judges for opinion. The action originated with the Government of Bengal.
§ Sir J. D. REESWas that offer of Lord Londonderry to submit the case of every person proposed to be interned to two judges for their opinion accepted or not… Was any action taken on that as distinct from the action suggested in the first half of the question?
§ Mr. FISHERI think that action has been taken.
§ Mr. FISHERYes.
§ 43. Sir J. D. REESasked whether a Committee of Indians and Europeans, with a. judge of the English High Court as chairman, has been appointed to investigate the revolutionary movement in Bengal; and, if so, whether it has submitted a, Report to the Government of India?
§ Mr. FISHERThe answer of the first question is in the affirmative. The inquiry is as to the nature and extent of the criminal conspiracies connected with the revolutionary movement in India, and as to the legislation, if any, necessary to enable Government to deal effectively 562 with them. The Secretary of State is not aware that the Committee have as yet submitted a Report.
§ Sir J. D. REESCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Report in that case will be submitted to the Government of Bengal, and whether an English judge of the High Court has actually been appointed; if so, who has been appointed, and will he be sufficiently free to devote his time to this solo purpose?
§ Mr. FISHERSir Sidney Rowlatt is the High Court judge who has been appointed.
§ Sir J. D. REESCan he be spared indefinitely for this sole purpose?
§ Sir J. JARDINECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this inquiry Committee is a Statutory Committee with statutory powers and restrictions, or is it what is called a Departmental Committee with no particular powers under a Statute?
§ Mr. FISHERWill the hon. Gentleman give notice of that question?