§ 23. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India if all the Indian political detainees and prisoners are incarcerated in India; the number of these at the present time; whether any of the Indian Congress leaders may associate together; and whether records are kept respecting the religious persuasion both of ordinary and of political prisoners and detainees.
§ Mr. AmeryThe answer to the first and last parts of the Question is in the affirmative. On 1st November last, the latest date for which figures are available, 15,763 persons were undergoing imprisonment in connection with the Congress movement and 7,267 persons were in detention. Congress leaders detained at the same place are allowed to associate together.
§ Mr. SorensenHas the Secretary of State figures showing the respective religious persuasions of these detainees, and if so could he give those figures?
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has given the general figures, not the distinct numbers of various religious persuasions?
§ Mr. AmeryAs I understand it, these figures are taken by the various provincial authorities who are responsible for detention. No figures have been centrally supplied and I do not see any special reason for troubling the Central Government of India to collect and supply them.