§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that some Indian political prisoners are handcuffed and put in chains; whether this is a normal and general practice respecting political prisoners; and whether he will give instructions that political prisoners whose Indian patriotic motives are unquestioned, and who are guiltless of any violent act, will not be handcuffed or chained or treated as ordinary criminals?
§ Mr. AmeryI have no information of any case such as is suggested by the hon. Member. The use of handcuffs and fetters is not a normal practice in India for any class of prisoner. Their use is permitted as a punishment in cases of persistent indiscipline.