HC Deb 08 July 1936 vol 314 cc1209-11
88. Major MILNER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has yet received any reply from the Punjab Government as to the continued imprisonment of Pandit Parmanand; and whether, having regard to the fact that the pandit has now been in prison for 21 years, he can now be released?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Butler)

Yes, Sir. The Punjab Government are not prepared to release Parmanand at the present time. His case is examined periodically by that Government.

institutions in England and Wales for the years ending 1930–31 and 1935–36, or to the latest available date?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

As the answer contains a number of figures in tabular form, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The returns made to my Department do not distinguish the sex of children under 16 years of age in receipt of poor relief. The following statement shows the number of persons over 16 years of age in receipt of poor relief in England and Wales on 1st January in the years mentioned.

Major MILNER

Can the Under-Secretary offer any justification for keeping this man, whatever his crime, in prison for over 21 years? What justification is there for that?

Mr. BUTLER

This man was originally condemned to death, but the death sentence was commuted to a life sentence which he is now serving. His case is reviewed periodically by the Government of the Punjab.

Major MILNER

Has his conduct been good?

Mr. BUTLER

I understand that his case was recently reviewed by the Punjab Government, who say that there is no sign of his having reformed.

Mr. THURTLE

Will the Under-Secretary take steps to communicate with the Punjab Government and inform them that in the view of the House of Commons this man has already suffered adequately?

Mr. BUTLER

A communication has already been made to the Punjab Government, and I have given the House the reply I have received.

Mr. SILVERMAN

Was this man at the moment of his condemnation and sentence to death 18 years of age?

Mr. BUTLER

I understand he was 28 years of age.

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