§ 4. Major POLEasked the Secretary of State for India if he will inform the House what is the present position reached in the proceedings in the trial at Meerut of the 32 persons arrested over two years ago and charged with conspiracy?
§ Sir S. HOARETwenty-three of the 31 accused have completed their statements to the court, the making of which is the first stage in the presentation of the case for the defence.
§ Major POLECannot this matter be hurried on, because it began in the Government before the last one and this trial is still dragging on and becoming a public scandal?
§ Sir S. HOAREI deplore the delay as much as the hon. and gallant Gentleman. The delay is due to two things: in the first place, Indian procedure, over which we have no control, and, secondly, the long delays brought about by the prisoners themselves in protracting their defence over so many months.
§ Mr. FREEMANWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of ending this trial and freeing all political prisoners, in view of the present position of affairs?
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIn view of the resumption of the Round Table Conference, would the right hon. Gentleman consider releasing these men altogether and ending the trial?
§ Sir S. HOARENo. The case is in the hands of the court. I could not possibly intervene at the stage it has now reached. I hope the trial may be over comparatively soon—the sooner the better from my point of view.