§ Mr. McENTEEasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mr. B. T. Ranadive and Mr. S. G. Sardesai, each of whom is serving a sentence of two years' rigorous imprisonment for sedition, have been placed in C-class, although the chief presidency magistrate of Bombay had recommended that Mr. Ranadive should be placed in B-class; whether, as the social status and educational attainments of these two prisoners satisfy the scheduled requirements, he will see that the prisoners are placed in B-class; and whether he can make a statement as to the state of health of these two prisoners?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, the decision of the Bombay Government to place the prisoners in Class C was taken after full consideration of all the relevant facts, and I am not prepared to interfere with it. My latest information is to the effect that the health of the prisoners is satisfactory.
§ Mr. McENTEEasked the Secretary of State for India whether Mr. P. C. Joshi, M.A., LL.B., who was convicted in Cawnpore in April and sentenced to two and a-half years' imprisonment, satisfies the scheduled requirements in respect of classification for B-class; whether he is receiving B-class treatment; and whether he can state the condition of the health of this prisoner?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have no information as to the classification of this prisoner or as to the state of his health, but will inquire.