§ Dr. SALTERasked the Secretary of State for India (1) whether he is aware that the placing of the Meerut prisoners in Class B is in respect of their food and clothing only; that the other privileges of Class B, such as reading and writing, are denied them; that these conditions are hampering the prisoners in the pre- 570W paration of their appeal to the high court; and if, in view of the social and educational status of the prisoners, he will arrange for their transfer to Class A;
(2) whether he is aware that the Meerut prisoners are without socks, boots, underwear, hats and sufficient bedding; that, as a result of the severe cold, several of the prisoners have been down with fever; and whether he will give directions that better provision shall be made for them?
§ Sir S. HOARE:As I have already informed the House, the prisoners have definitely been placed in "B" class by order of the local government, and they are receiving the treatment laid down for prisoners in that class. I am not prepared to accept as accurate the statements contained in the questions. I can assure the hon. Member that the prisoners will be given such facilities as may be proper for the preparation of their appeals.