HC Deb 09 May 1927 vol 206 cc6-7
9. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of untried prisoners still detained under the Bengal Ordinance, and the period of their incarceration; how many of these have committed or attempted suicide; how many have become insane; how many have contracted tuberculosis; how many have contracted other diseases; and what is their nature?

Earl WINTERTON

I will send the hon. Member a copy of the Official Reports of the Legislative Assembly of 31st January and 21st February last, on pages 222 and 1050 of which respectively he will find statements giving the names and dates of arrest of all the persons then in gaol under Regulation III of 1818 and the Bengal Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1925. Of the 16 prisoners under Regulation III there shown, five have since been released from gaol and placed under restraint in villages under the Criminal Law Amendment Act. Of the 61 detenus shown in the other statement, 42 remain in gaol, and four other persons have since been placed in gaol, including two of the five shown in the footnote to the statement. In addition there are 105 persons under restraint under the Criminal Law Amendment Act otherwise than in gaol. Only one detenu has committed suicide, and no others have attempted to do so or have become insane. As regards illnesses two have, or are suspected to have, tuberculosis. I have no detailed information as to illnesses of other descriptions.

22. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if his Department has received any recent representations from the new Governor-General of Bengal as to the desirability of releasing the untried prisoners who are at present detained under the Bengal Criminal Ordinance Act and Regulation 111 of 1818?

Earl WINTERTON

No, Sir.