§ 8. Mr. BRACKENasked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that members of Congress and other political organisations in India who are now undergoing detention in prison receive grants from the Government of India which, in certain cases, exceed £1,000 a year as compensation for their detention, he will give the House a list of all persons now in receipt of such grants?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am not in possession of this information, but, if my hon. Friend so desires, I will ask the Government of India to supply it. I should make it clear that allowances are not paid to any convicted persons, but only to State prisoners detained under the Regulations or under the Bengal Criminal Law Amendment Act.
§ Mr. BRACKENDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that these salaries and subventions are an encouragement to seditionists?
§ Sir S. HOAREI had better first obtain the information before I answer the question.
§ 9. Mr. BRACKENasked the Secretary of State for India for what reasons the Government of India have agreed to pay the insurance premiums of a number of members of Congress and other organisations now detained in prison?
§ Sir S. HOAREBengal Regulation of 1818 and the Bengal Criminal Law Amendment Act provide for the payment by Government of adequate allowances for the support of the detenus and their families. In a few cases insurance premiums on existing policies are paid where this is considered necessary, on an examination of each case, to prevent damage to the estate and when there are no other resources from which the policies can be met. In no cases are premiums paid on behalf of convicted persons.
§ Mr. BRACKENIs not that a sort of come-to-gaol movement on behalf of the Government of India?