§ 6. Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he can obtain figures showing the number of people in the Hyderabad State who have been in prison during the last six months in connection with the struggle in that state for civil and religious liberty; and whether he will obtain also information as to the condition and treatment, and the number, of those now in prison?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI presume that the question is intended to refer to the Satyagrahi movement. According to the latest report that I have seen, the total number of arrests up to the end of May was something over 5,000. I have no reason to think that the treatment of prisoners is open to criticism.
§ Colonel WedgwoodAs these prisons are under our direct control, would it be possible for the hon. and gallant Gentleman to ask for a special inquiry into the condition existing in those prisons at the present time?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadMy noble Friend feels that nothing has occurred so far which has made out a case for a special inquiry, but the Resident is, of course, in close touch with the Hyderabad Government.