HC Deb 02 February 1931 vol 247 cc1404-6
3. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information as to the effects of the release of political prisoners in India; and whether any action in this matter was taken at his request or on the sole initiative of the Viceroy of India?

10. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the release of Mr. Gandhi was ordered at his request; and what prior guarantees of good behaviour were demanded and given?

13. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked Secretary of State for India if he will make a statement as to the results in India of the Round Table Conference and the liberation of certain of the political prisoners, giving particulars in respect of various localities?

Mr. BENN

As was stated in the Viceroy's announcement published at the time, no conditions were imposed on Mr. Gandhi's release. It is too soon yet to appraise the effects of the Conference and the release of Congress leaders. Responsibility in these matters rests, of course, with His Majesty's Government.

Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the week-end Mr. Gandhi has indicated his desire to return to an intensive form of boycott?

Mr. BENN

I have seen Press reports.

Commander LOCKER - LAMPSON

Apart from seeing reports, will the right hon. Gentleman take action?

Mr. BENN

The Government, of course, is constantly considering the situation as it develops.

Mr. BROCKWAY

Is it the intention of the Government to extend still further the release of political prisoners?

Mr. BENN

There is another question on that subject.

8. Commander SOUTHBY

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any of the accused persons in the Meerut trial have been released owing to illness?

Mr. BENN

One prisoner named Ghate was released in July on bail on grounds of ill-health and in November another Mirajkar was for a time removed from jail to the Civil Hospital for a small operation.

Commander SOUTHBY

Have they since been taken back to gaol?

Mr. BENN

I presume that that is so, but to get all specific and accurate information the hon. and gallant Gentleman had better put a further question on the Paper.

Mr. BROCKWAY

Have any steps been taken to release these prisoners altogether?

Mr. BENN

The trial is proceeding.

12. Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that of the five points stated by Mr. Gandhi to secure the calling off of the non-co-operation movement the picketing of drug and drink houses or the boycotting of foreign cloth are not illegal, and that under the proposals of the recent Round-Table Conference the right to obtain salt from sea water will be settled by the Indian legislature, he will further consider the desirability of freeing political prisoners and withdrawing emergency ordinances in order to secure an agreed basis for peaceful discussion of the Conference proposals?

Mr. BENN

I have nothing to add to the Prime Minister's statement on this subject made in his closing speech to the Conference on 19th January.

Mr. FREEMAN

Is my right hon. Friend aware that repression in these matters is one of the principal barriers to securing amicable and peaceful consideration of the Round-Table Conference proposals? Cannot some immediate action be taken to bring about a satisfactory settlement on the lines suggested?

Mr. BENN

By their proposals at the Round-Table Conference the Government made it quite clear that they desired to deal with the Indian grievance in the right way.