HC Deb 26 November 1934 vol 295 cc474-5
3. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will now allow Pandit Jawaharilal Nehru to be set at liberty?

Sir S. HOARE

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith) on 16th July, to which I have nothing to add.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the publication of the report might be a good opportunity for the release of this gentleman, who is of superior ability and intelligence, and could represent the Indian people's view?

Sir S. HOARE

No, Sir. I have considered this case very carefully. The individual in question was convicted, not under any emergency powers legislation, but under the ordinary Statute law, and I do not feel justified in intervening in the way suggested.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it not a fact that he has been in prison two years already?

Sir S. HOARE

No, Sir, I do not think it is.