HC Deb 16 May 1922 vol 154 cc205-6
3. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the names of those Englishmen who are now in prison in India by reason of their trades union or political activities; what sentences they are serving; and whether they are being treated in jail as Europeans or as Indians?

Earl WINTERTON

There are, to the best of my information, an American named Stokes, and a European named Miller in prison at present. The former in December last, on an information that he was disseminating sedition, refused to give security to be of good behaviour and was sent to jail in default for a period of six months. I have already explained the sentence passed on Miller. In Indian jails all Europeans are confined in separate quarters, and there are separate rules for their treatment.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Do I understand that Stokes is receiving European treatment in jail?

Earl WINTERTON

I have already stated in my answer that all Europeans are confined in separate quarters, and that there are separate rules for their treatment.

4. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will obtain information as to why Lala Lajpat Rai and other political prisoners at Lahore declined to take advantage of the better treatment and food granted to and accepted by political prisoners in other Indian jails?

Earl WINTERTON

I do not consider that there is any public interest to be served by inquiring as to the reasons why a particular convict declines a concession.