§ 11. Mr. McENTEEasked the Secretary of State for India whether the trial of the Meerut prisoners is approaching completion; if he will state when the prisoners were first arrested; and the reasons for the delay in reaching a verdict?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe prisoners were first arrested on the 20th March, 1929. Judgment is expected to be given in the course of this summer. The delay in reaching a verdict is due both to the great mass of evidence, oral and documentary, and also, latterly, to the protracted nature of the defence which is not yet completed.
§ Mr. McENTEEIn view of the fact that these men have been in gaol for over three years, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that they should now be released?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have answered that question several times. The answer is in the negative. I desire to see the trial finished with the least possible delay.
§ Mr. McENTEEIf the verdict is in favour of the prisoners, will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving them compensation?