§ 4. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he 3 will give the House the latest information as to the condition of health of Mr. Bose, one of the prisoners detained under the Bombay Ordinance; what steps the Government is taking to preserve the health of Mr. Bose; and whether it is proposed to take any further steps to arrange for his liberation and for that of other prisoners who have been so long detained without trial?
§ Earl WINTERTONI have no very recent detailed information, except that, since his examination in February by two doctors disclosed the possibility of early tubercle, Mr. Bose's health has unfortunately not improved. In consequence it has been decided to transfer him from Burma to Almora—the best climate in India for tubercular patients—and he was to leave Rangoon last Saturday. The Governor of Bengal is arranging for a special medical examination by his own surgeon and a physician of the medical college when Mr. Bose passes through Calcutta. I can make no statement about the possibility of releasing Mr. Bose or of any other of the persons detained in Bengal beyond saying that as was made clear by the announcement made by the Government of India on 21st March last, the text of which I circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 28th March, the question of each man's detention is continually being examined and re-examined.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIn view of that answer, Mr. Speaker, I propose, with your leave, to raise this question to-morrow on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSCan the Noble Lord say whether the prisoners in Bengal have been charged with any definite specific crime?
§ Earl WINTERTONThat does not arise out of the question.