§ 5. Mr. T. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for India whether, as a mark of clemency in connection with the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty the King-Emperor, and in order to create a suitable atmosphere for the inauguration of the new constitution, it is contemplated by the Government of India to release such Indians as are interned or imprisoned for offences without violence in connection with political propaganda?
§ Mr. BUTLERIt is not proposed to make any release of prisoners in connection with the Jubilee. I would, however, point out that the number of persons imprisoned for offences of the nature stated is now extremely small. In accordance with the policy now in force the number of civil disobedience prisoners had already been reduced to 67 at the end of February, and there have no doubt been further releases since then.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDoes the number include Pandit Jawahrlal Nehru?
§ Mr. BUTLERThe figures I gave are of civil disobedience prisoners in which category he is not included.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes not the hon. Gentleman think it would give general satisfaction in India if this suggestion were carried into effect?
§ Mr. BUTLERI fear I have nothing to add to the terms of my original answer.