§ 9. Mr. THURTLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India if the Government have had any recent communications with the Government of India regarding the possibility of releasing the prisoners who have been detained under the Bengal Criminal Ordinance Act for several years without trial; and if he can state the Government's intentions regarding these prisoners?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The intentions of the Government were somewhat fully stated by the Home Member in the course of a Debate in the Legislative Assembly on 26th January last, and I gave the hon. Member the gist of them in reply to his question of 8th March. So far as my Noble Friend is aware, the views of the Government of India have undergone no change, but he will inquire.
§ Mr. THURTLECan the Noble Lord hold out any hope at all that these men who have been imprisoned so long are going to be released eventually?
§ Earl WINTERTONI have nothing to add to the answer I have given. As I said, my Noble Friend will inquire if there is any change in the views of the Government of India.
§ 10. Mr. THURTLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is aware that Mr. S. C. Bose, who is at present detained under the Bengal Criminal Ordinance Act, and who has been duly nominated as a candidate for the Bengal Provincial Council, has not been allowed to issue his election manifesto; and if he will state the ground for this inhibition?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe fact of this prohibition and the reason for it have been reported in the Indian Press. My Noble Friend has no further information, but will inquire.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs the Noble Lord aware that the electors of Calcutta have elected Mr. Bose by a large majority?
§ Earl WINTERTONI do not know what bearing that has on the question, except to show that the hon. Gentleman is wrong in assuming that any harm has been done by not issuing any election manifesto.