§ 2. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the number of Indian prisoners convicted of political crimes now in the Andaman Islands; what are the minimum and maximum sentences covered by the transportation orders; and what is the minimum age of the prisoners?
§ Sir S. HOAREAs regards the ordinary convict population of the islands, the latest detailed statistics are summarised on page 117 of Command Paper No. 4109. The great majority of the convicts are serving long sentences for crimes of violence, but there is no indication 2154 whether in any particular instances political motives were involved. As regards the transfer to the Andamans of prisoners convicted in connection with terrorist outrages, which was decided upon last year as a special measure, the present position is that about 100 terrorist convicts, mostly from Bengal, have been transferred. I have no detailed information as to ages or sentences.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWould it not be possible to get the age of the younger prisoners?
§ Sir S. HOAREI should think so. Anyhow, I will communicate with the Government of India and let the hon. Member know.