asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the health of the Meerut prisoners is unsatisfactory; that they are frequently prevented from attending the court on account of ill-health, and that unless they are represented by counsel when absent through ill-health the court is adjourned; and whether, in view of the long period these prisoners have been in gaol, many having been refused bail, he will order the withdrawal of the charges against them?

I understand that the hon. Member correctly states the procedure in the third part of his question. But the facts as reported to me do not support a general statement that the health of the Meerut prisoners is unsatisfactory. I am aware that in January last one of the accused was in hospital for two weeks with a slight attack of malaria, and that during August another was granted six weeks' leave of absence from the court on grounds of ill-health. As the latter is represented by counsel no delay is being caused. Apart from these two cases I am not aware that any prisoner has been absent from the court on grounds of ill-health for more than a few days. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is not one of the prisoners—Leicester Hutchinson—seriously ill; and can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to extend that prisoner's leave and not to demand that he should be hack to answer the charge on the date at present specified?

The hon. Member has just given me some information upon this matter, and I will certainly look into it, but I may remind him that the decision of this point is in the hands of the court. I will, however, see whether I can draw the attention of the court to the information which the hon. Member has placed at my disposal.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long the trial is expected to last or give any estimate of the time?

No, Sir. It is certainly much too long.