§ 11. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that after the visit of Lala Bodh Raj to the Akali prisoners, and he had received complaints from the prisoners, the superintendent inflicted various disciplinary punishments on the prisoners who had complained; and if he will cause an inquiry to be held into the whole question of the administration?
§ Earl WINTERTONI am aware that allegations to this effect were made in the Punjab Legislative Council. A committee has been specially appointed to investigate alleged abuses in the Punjab gaols, and the report on the state of discipline and the best means of remedying defects and stopping malpractices.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWill the report be presented to the House?
§ Earl WINTERTONI could not inform the hon. Member whether it is to be presented technically to the House, but I propose to make the contents known to the House, and I can probably arrange to have a copy placed in the Library.
§ 12. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India if his attention has been drawn to the condition of the prisons in which Akali prisoners are interned; whether he is aware of the deficiencies in the medical equipment; and if he will cause an inquiry to be held so that the defects may be remedied?
§ Earl WINTERTONPerhaps I may refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given. Allegations have been made as to medical deficiencies also. My noble Friend is confident that the Punjab Government is thoroughly examining the condition of the gaols.