§ 6. Mr. FREEMANasked the Secretary of State for India whether he will state the names of the 13 convicts who were flogged in Meerut gaol on 29th August; the charge on which these men had been convicted and for what offence they were flogged under the Prisons Act; whether the maximum corporal punishment permitted under the Act was inflicted in each case; how many other inmates of the gaol were sentenced to punishment at the same time; what was the nature of the punishment imposed upon these other prisoners by the district magistrate; and whether any of the convicts who were flogged in the gaol had been on hunger strike?
§ Sir BERTRAM FALLEIs it quite fair to broadcast the names of these convicts?
§ Mr. FREEMANWere these offences of a political character and, if so, was such harsh treatment as has apparently been meted out necessary on this occasion?
§ Mr. BENNI told my hon. Friend I am trying to get a further report about this matter but he may take it that punishment was not inflicted for any offence of a political character.
§ Mr. FREEMANWere not these offences committed in August—and it is now December?