MR. M. T. BASSsaid, that some weeks ago he was asked to inquire into the condition of a man named George Page, who since August 29, 1871, has been a prisoner in Maidstone Gaol for debts due to the Crown. He accordingly did so, and made representations to the Treasury to the effect that Page was in a dangerous state of health, and that under the circumstances he hoped the department would consent to his liberation. Communications were also made to the Board of Inland Revenue, and the President of the Board gave his assent to the man's release. He took it for granted that when these documents were taken to Maidstone Gaol the man would be set at liberty; but he was now informed that he was still there in a very bad state of health. He wished, therefore, to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Why George Page is still detained in prison, notwithstanding the fact that the Lords of the Treasury and the Commissioners of Inland Revenue have signified their consent to his discharge?
MR. BRUCEsaid, the matter was not within his jurisdiction, as he had nothing whatever to do with the release of persons who were in prison in consequence of civil suits. He had applied, however, to the proper authorities in order to obtain a reply to the Question of the hon. Member, and he had received from the Board of Inland Revenue a letter to the effect that it offered no objection to Page's release, if the district Commissioners, who had obtained the warrant against him, did not object to it. It appeared that Page was required to pay costs to the amount of £15 or £16; but the Board would take steps to remove this obstacle to his release.