HC Deb 17 March 1919 vol 113 cc1709-10
24. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked whether the Rowlatt Bills provide for indefinite imprisonment without trial; and whether the Indian members of council have unanimously opposed these Bills?

Mr. FISHER

In November last the Government of India sought the approval of the Secretary of State in Council to the publication of the Bills with a view to introducing them into the Legislative Council and approval was given. So far as Indian opinion had manifested itself in the Legislative Council, the Secretary of State had no reason to believe that it was opposed to a fair consideration being given by the Legislature to legislative proposals embodying the recommendations of the Rowlatt Committee. A resolution moved in the Legislative Council on the 23rd September that the consideration and disposal of the Committee's recommendations should be kept in abeyance until a further inquiry was made had the support of two members only.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I ask whether the inquiry that is held after one years' imprisonment without trial is an inquiry before a judicial authority of any sort or merely a private administrative inquiry?

Mr. FISHER

I must ask for notice of that question.

25. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked whether the Rowlatt Bills were approved by him before being submitted to the Legislative Council; and, if so, whether he made any attempt to gauge the temper of the Indian people on the subject before he gave that approval?

Mr. FISHER

The Government of India has informed the Secretary of State that the Bill, as modified in Select Committee, limits the total period of confinement to two years and gives the person concerned the right of having his case re-examined at the end of the first year by the investigating Committee. The Indian members, in opposing the introduction of the Emergency Powers Bill, supported an Amendment to defer the consideration of the Bill until six months after the expiry of the term of office of the existing Council.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Do I understand that the Secretary of State gave his authority to the Bills being published, but did not give his authority to them being introduced into the Legislative Council?

Mr. FISHER

I do not think so.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether that is not the case?