§ 11. Mr. BROCKWAYasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received a report upon any protest against their conditions by the 33 prisoners who have been in prison at Meerut for 16 months awaiting trial for conspiracy?
§ Mr. BENNI have caused investigation to be made as to any such complaints which have reached me and I shall be glad to provide my hon. Friend with such information as is possible.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYHas the right hon. Gentleman received any complaints regarding these persons being put into bar fetters and flogged?
§ Mr. BENNI was not clear when my hon. Friend put down his question exactly to what he referred, and I thought the best that I could do was to give him all the information I had secured.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYI appreciate that. If complaints are laid before the right hon. Gentleman, is he prepared to make strict inquiry?
Earl WINTERTONIs it correct to state, as is stated in the question, that these people are awaiting trial? Is not the trial proceeding?
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIs it not a fact that it is the preliminary investigation that is so far proceeding?