§ 24. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can now give the House the information respecting political prisoners requested by the hon. Member for Leyton, West?
§ The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)On 1st July those serving sentences in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement amounted to 12,129, including 28 ex-Ministers and 290 members of Provincial Legislatures. In addition, seven of the former and 31 of the latter were under detention. I am informed that the other particulars desired by the hon. Member are not available, and their collection would necessitate special inquiry from magistrates and police stations throughout India, for which I am not prepared to press.
§ Mr. SorensenWould the right hon. Gentleman not agree that these figures are very unfortunate in view of our present international position?
§ Mr. GallacherWhy do you not open the prison gates?