§ MR. MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If his attention has been drawn to the committal of a labourer named Samuel Dawson to the county gaol of Bedford for the period of two months in consequence of his not paying the sum of one pound sixteen shillings, a sum which was accumulated from an order to pay at the rate of one shilling per week for the maintenance of the parents of the said Samuel Dawson; whether he is aware that it was stated that the said Samuel Dawson is himself suffering from chronic rheumatism, and can barely make or get wages sufficient to keep himself and a wife who is an invalid, and that an effort was made to raise the money by distress, but that goods were not found sufficient for that purpose; and, whether, if such allegations be correct, he will take the proper steps to set the man at liberty?
MR. ASSHETON CROSS,in reply, said, he had caused inquiries to be made into the matter, and understood that Dawson earned about 15s. a-week when in work, and had to contribute towards the maintenance of his parents. As, however, there was some doubt how far the Home Office could deal with the question, the matter had been referred to the President of the Local Government Board, and it was still under consideration.