HC Deb 28 January 1929 vol 224 cc574-6
7. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the intentions of the Government of India towards the men who are being de- tained, without trial, under regulation 111 of 1818, on the ground that if they were released they might commit crime?

Earl WINTERTON

No, Sir. The views of the Government of India, which, as I stated in my reply to a similar question on the 17th December, have been invited, have not yet been received.

Mr. THURTLE

Can the Noble Lord say when these views are likely to be received, and is he aware that these men have already been in prison for a very long time without trial?

Earl WINTERTON

I cannot tell the hon. Member the exact date when they will be received, but I should think comparatively shortly.

Mr. THURTLE

Are not the British Government ashamed to acquiesce in the prolonged imprisonment of men without trial in the way that these men have been?

Earl WINTERTON

If I had the opportunity of doing so in debate, I could answer the question very effectively, but the whole question appears to be controversial, and I hope that the hon. Member will not mind if I do not answer it now.

Mr. SAKLATVALA

Are not the Government of India strong and powerful enough to take such measures to see that, if these men were released, they would not commit crime?

Earl WINTERTON

The Government of India are taking steps to exclude undesirables from India by refusing their passports.

Mr. SAKLATVALA

If the Government do exclude undesirables by refusing their passports, why are they holding innocent people in prison without trial?

Mr. WELLOCK

Are the releases already effected not justified?

Earl WINTERTON

These particular men were not incarcerated under the provisions of the Bengal Ordinance, but under Regulation 111 of 1818. The whole question whether or not they should be retained in prison is being considered by the Government of India, and my Noble Friend will no doubt be in a position shortly to make an announcement as to what the decision is.

Mr. THURTLE

The Noble Lord does admit that these men have committed no crime, does he not?