HC Deb 10 February 1930 vol 235 cc5-6
8. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Secretary of "State for India whether he will urge the Government of India to accord to Mr. Subhas C. Bose and the 11 others recently convicted with him treatment as political prisoners, in view of the fact that their offence was purely political in character?

Mr. BENN

Discussions are now in progress as to the rules relating to "special class" prisoners and connected matters. Meanwhile, the treatment to be accorded to individual prisoners must be left to the discretion of the proper authorities in India.

Mr. THURTLE

Is any distinction made m India as far as political prisoners are concerned? Are they treated differently from other prisoners?

Mr. BENN

The term used is "special class" prisoners. I can only tell my hon. Friend that discussions in relation to the treatment of special class prisoners have been proceeding, and are proceeding at this moment.

Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWN

Were not the remarks in question seditious rather than political?

Mr. BENN

This case is still sub judice, and I do not feel qualified, nor should I think it proper, to make any observations on it.

Earl WINTERTON

Is it not the case that Mr. Bose has been convicted; and, therefore, when the right hon. Gentleman speaks of the case being sub judice, does he mean that Mr. Bose is appealing?

Mr. BENN

Yes, that is so. The Noble Lord is quite right; he is appealing.

9. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Secretary of State for India the inscriptions or slogans on the banners to which exception was taken in the case of Mr. Subhas C. Bose and others, and which led to the prosecution and conviction of these men?

Mr. BENN

Until I receive the judgment in this case, I am not in a position to affirm or deny my hon. Friend's assumption that their conviction was based on inscriptions on banners, and I do not know the exact terms of these inscriptions.

Mr. THURTLE

Will my right hon. Friend be good enough, for the information of the House, to get the text of these inscriptions?

Mr. BENN

I expect to receive a full report of the case by mail as soon as possible.

Earl WINTERTON

Is not this part of the same case which is at present sub judice? The right hon. Gentleman, doubtless, will make no statement until after the appeal?

Mr. BENN

Oh, no, certainly not; but I am expecting the report of the first trial by mail.