§ 6. Mr. JOHNasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mr. Philip Spratt, who has recently been released from gaol after completing his sentence in connection with the Meerut conspiracy case, has been re-arrested in Bombay; on what ground has he been arrested; whether he is now in gaol again; whether a charge will be brought against him; and whether he can state the nature of the charge?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Butler)Mr. Philip Spratt has been arrested under Section 3 of the Bombay Special (Emergency) Powers Act, which gives to the Governor in Council, if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that any person has acted, is acting or is about to act in a manner prejudicial to the public safety or peace, power to order his detention in custody for a period not exceeding two months. He was given the option of leaving India immediately but refused.