HC Deb 17 July 1933 vol 280 cc1513-4
8. Mr. D. GRENFELL

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India have received any report from Colonel Barker, inspector-general of prisons, Punjab, as a result of his mission to the Andamans to inquire into the medical arrangements there for prisoners on hunger strike; and whether he can state the conclusions of the report?

Mr. BUTLER

This officer was sent not to make a formal inquiry and present a report, but to consult with, and advise, the local authorities. My right hon. Friend has not yet received any detailed information regarding his visit.

Mr. GRENFELL

Owing to the disquiet in all parts of this country and o f India itself, will the hon. Gentleman. present a report if a report comes to hand?

Mr. BUTLER

The officer was not sent for the purpose of making a report.

Mr. GRENFELL

Surely the officer will have found out something, and, if it is necessary for the Government of India to know, should not the public know at the same time?

Mr. BUTLER

The Government are satisfied that the hunger strike is ended, and that the conditions are satisfactory.

Mr. GRENFELL

Was not the hunger strike due to some cause, and should not the public be acquainted with that?

Mr. BUTLER

As far as I know the cause of the hunger strike was an attempt to undermine prison discipline, and the hunger strike was defeated.

11. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the comparative quiet in India, he will now consider releasing the Meerut prisoners, having regard to the fact that they passed four years in gaol during their trial and that the sentences imposed took no account of this?

Mr. BUTLER

The appeals of the prisoners are on the point of being heard by the High Court.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Allow me publicly to thank the Secretary of State for India for what he did a year ago. I asked him to have these prisoners taken from the plains to the hills during the hot weather, which he very kindly did. Arising from the reply which I have just received, I would ask the hon. Gentleman to put it before the Secretary of State that the time has now arrived when it would be a generous act on his part to use his influence to have the prisoners who were tried at Meerut released.

Sir BERTRAMI FALLE

May I ask whether the prisoners are detained by the British Government or the Indian Government?

Mr. BUTLER

In reply to the last supplementary question, the prisoners are at present under the Government of the United Provinces. As to the first supplementary question, I think that as the appeal is about to be heard by the High Court it is difficult for my right hon. Friend to entertain the suggestion.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

The right hon. Gentleman can use his influence. As the House knows, it was successful a year ago. It can be successful again, if he will use it.