§ 6. Mr. THURTLEasked the Undersecretary of State for India if the Government is prepared to suggest to the Government of India that the time has now arrived for the release of these Indians at present under detention, without trial, under the provisions of the Bengal Criminal Ordinance Act and Regulation 111, of 1818?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe reply is in he negative.
§ Mr. THURTLEIf these men cannot he released may they not be accorded the elementary right of being brought to trial?
§ Earl WINTERTONNo, Sir, for the reasons given by me in the Debate at the end of last Session. My Noble Friend is not aware of any circumstances that have occurred since then to alter the decision to which he and the Government of India then came.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould not the appointment of a new Viceroy make a suitable occasion for the exercise of clemency?
§ Earl WINTERTONThat, would seem to be a very big question, which does not 942 arise out of the question on the Paper. I can only say now that my Noble Friend is not prepared to make any such recommendation.
§ Mr. SCURRMay I ask you, Mr. Speaker, when it will be possible to discuss the Motion of which I and other hon. Members have given notice, praying His Majesty to exercise His Royal Clemency in the matter?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI cannot say. There-does not seem to be much time available.