HC Deb 15 February 1926 vol 191 cc1550-1W
Colonel DAY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is aware of the plight of political prisoners where accommodation is insufficient to house them; and that it is a common practice to chain them together at night in tents, where the sanitary arrangements are such as to prove a grave source of discomfort and danger to the health of the prisoners; and will he consider taking immediate steps to improve the condition of these prisoners?

Earl WINTERTON

The question does not state to what prisons or what province or provinces the allegations made in it refer, but I am aware that it was recently suggested in the Punjab Legislative Council that a practice existed in the Punjab prisons of fastening prisoners together at night. It was explained on behalf of the Punjab Government that they had put an end to such a practice, as it had existed in earlier years, though it might conceivably have still to be re-sorted to in grave emergencies. The explanation referred to prisoners generally, and was given on the 10th December. I will send the hon. Member a copy if he requires it.

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