HC Deb 08 May 1933 vol 277 c1203
6. Mr. MORGAN JONES

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Congress leaders and workers who were arrested in Calcutta during the Congress week under the Bengal Public Security Act were not charged with any crime, were detained in the presidency gaol for over a week and during that time treated as C class under-trial prisoners, were denied the privilege of interviews with their friends, and that letters written by them from gaol were not delivered to the addressees; and whether he will give instructions to prevent a recurrence of such treatment?

Sir S. HOARE

Numerous persons intending to hold a Session of Congress in Calcutta on the 1st April were detained under Section 3 of the Bengal Public Security Act and afterwards released, the releases commencing on the 2nd April. Those detained were aware that the Government of India had announced that the meeting could not be allowed and that steps would be taken to stop persons proposing to attend. I fully approve the policy adopted by the Government of Bengal.

Mr. JONES

Can the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the question as to whether these people, upon whom final judgment has not been passed, may have some treatment other than Class C?

Sir S. HOARE

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The question refers to a number of people who were arrested temporarily. The classification to which he refers is applicable to convicted prisoners.

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