HC Deb 05 August 1913 vol 56 cc1241-2
3. Viscount WOLMER

asked what are the terms of the licences under which suffragist prisoners are now being released?

Mr. McKENNA

The terms are the same as those which I read to the House during the Committee stage of the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-health) Bill on the 8th April last, and they are printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT for that date.

4. Viscount WOLMER

asked how many persons have been arrested for offences committed in connection with the suffragist movement since 25th April; how many were arrested between 25th January and 25th April of this year; how many were arrested between 25th April and 30th July of last year; and the number and nature of the offences which have been committed by prisoners released on licence since 25th April?

Mr. McKENNA

I am not in possession of the information the Noble Lord desires as to the number of persons arrested for offences in connection with the suffragist movement. Arrests are not in ordinary course reported to the Home Office. The number of persons committed to prison might be ascertained with time and trouble, but these figures would not necessarily be complete, as the connection with the suffragist movement is not always known, and in any case I think that nothing would be gained by comparing the number of offences committed during certain short periods. Offences in connection with the suffragist movement have been committed in large numbers on special occasions. I may mention, for example, that over 200 suffragist prisoners were received in Holloway prison in March, 1912, and only one in April of that year. As regards the number and nature of offences committed by persons released on licence, if the Noble Lord will put down an unstarred question, I will be glad to give him the information.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information showing whether these offences are diminishing or increasing?

Mr. McKENNA

I will see if I can give any information which would indicate with some certainty a conclusion on the point.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Will it include those arrests which take place in connection with the rearrest of these prisoners?

Mr. McKENNA

I am dealing now not with arrests but with convictions.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

When convictions take place for obstruction of the police in connection with rearrests?

Mr. McKENNA

I shall include those, of course.