HC Deb 17 July 1941 vol 373 cc716-7
17. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for India how many persons were detained, under arrest, charged, being tried and undergoing sentence for political offences in India on 30th June; and approximately how many of these were ex-ministers, members of provincial legislatures, members of local authorities, women, students and persons of academic importance?

The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)

I will ask the Government of India for the desired information, and will communicate it to the hon. Member.

Mr. Sorensen

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to an article in the "Hindu" which states that there are 20,000 political prisoners in India at the present time?

Mr. Amery

No, Sir; I have not seen the article.

18. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any further statement to make on the political situation in India, in view of the growing public concern for an imaginative and drastic attempt to end the present political deadlock?

16. Major Milner

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any steps are in progress for solving or modifying the present deadlock in India; and will he give particulars?

Mr. Amery

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave to the Question of the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 10th July and to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. Sorensen

Seeing that certain statements have been made in the Press recently, is the House not to have a statement in the very near future regarding possible future political developments?

Mr. Amery

Any statement would be made to the House, and not to the Press.

Sir A. Knox

Is not the growing public concern referred to in the original Question solely confined to the private imagination of the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen)?