HC Deb 22 June 1925 vol 185 cc1055-6
13. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India why prisoners detained under the Bengal Ordinance are not supplied with copies of the allegations framed against them on the terms of which they have been arrested and imprisoned?

Earl WINTERTON

I quote for the hon. Member's information the reply given in the Bengal Legislative Council on the 26th February last to the same question: The charges are put to the détenus in order to inform them of the nature of the allegations made against them and to give them an opportunity of making any reply they think fit. This purpose is served by reading the charges over to them, and there is no necessity to give them copies.

Mr. THURTLE

Is the Noble Lord aware that it is impossible for these persons who are so charged to obtain fully the nature of the charges which are made against them, and will he see that the charges are supplied to the prisoners in writing?

Majesty's representatives at Kabul, and I am not prepared to suggest it.