§ 10. Mr. SCURRasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Pandit Jagdamba Prasad is a political prisoner in Benares Gaol, United Provinces, and that the pandit has been compelled to drive an oil mill for extracting mustard oil, and that he was blindfolded while doing so; whether such work is usually done by bullocks; and whether an inquiry will be made into the whole matter?
§ Mr. RICHARDSI have no information as to the individual case, but will inquire. The working of an oil press is an authorised form of hard labour in Indian gaols.
§ Mr. SCURRIs the hon. Member aware that information of this is contained in the report of the United Provinces Legislative Council, copies of which are in the India Office library?
§ Captain Viscount CURZONOn a point of Order. I have desired many times to put questions relating to political prisoners in India, and I have been informed that is a matter for the Government of India, and that I could not put them on the Paper. May I ask, therefore, whether this question is in order, according to that rule?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question has already been answered. My attention had not been called to it, but I will look into the matter before further questions are put down.