§ 18. Mr. D. GRENFELL (for Mr. T. WILLIAMS)asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make any statement as to the present state of affairs in India?
§ Sir S. HOAREDuring December and January there were occasional outbursts of Congress activity accompanied in some cases by minor disturbances, but the situation continues to be well in hand. The total number of convicted persons undergoing imprisonment for offences in connection with the campaign was 14,815 at the end of December, as compared with 17,145 at the end of November. The interest of many Congress workers has been diverted to M r. Gandhi's campaign against untouchability. The Viceroy has sanctioned the introduction into the Legislative Assembly of a Bill dealing with this question. There have been some disturbances in the Alwar State, but the situation is now quiet. His Highness the Maharaja has appointed a British Revenue Minister and British Inspector General of Police.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the Secretary of State for India satisfied with the justice or injustice that is being meted out to the Meerut prisoners?
§ Sir S. HOAREI could not possibly question the sentence of a Judge.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODDoes that mean that, no matter what injustice is done to British subjects in India, the Secretary of State for India in this House has no power to interfere?
§ Sir S. HOAREI could not possibly give a general answer to a question of that kind.