Mr. WINTERTONasked the Secretary of State for India whether, seeing that the Meerut prisoners have now been under arrest for eight months, he has been informed how long the preliminary inquiry is likely to last; what is the estimated cost to date of the proceedings in connection with this prosecution; and whether any part of the cost will fall on the British taxpayer?
§ Mr. BENNIt is hoped that the magistrate will be in a position to pass orders 49W by 15th December. I cannot say what is the estimated cost of the proceedings up to date. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.