§ 3. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many trade unionists have been apprehended under the various ordinances in India and against whom no charge has been preferred; and what is the average time of their detention?
§ Mr. BUTLERI presume the hon. Member is referring to arrests made under provisions of the emergency powers legislation which is in force in certain Provinces. There are no ordinances now in force in India giving these powers. I have no information as to the number of trade unionists arrested under these provisions.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that information shows that trade unionists and Socialists are characterised by the authorities as Communists and are frequently apprehended without any charge being preferred against them, and will he make special inquiries to see how many cases have been apprehended?
§ Mr. BUTLERThere is no intention of making discrimination against trade unionists as such. If the hon. Member desires it, I will certainly make inquiries.