HC Deb 04 September 1880 vol 256 c1280
MR. MONTAGUE GUEST

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, What course was to be taken in reference to the liberation of Charles Frost and another person, who it is proved have been unjustly imprisoned on a charge of burglary at Colchester?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT,

in reply, said, this was a most deplorable case, and one deserving of the deepest sympathy. He was engaged at the present moment in inquiring into the case, which only came under his notice a few days ago. Within 24 hours after he had had an opportunity of seeing the papers, he had directed a free pardon to be given to these men, and had ordered £3 to be given them. What was to be done hereafter in respect to these men was a matter of great difficulty and delicacy; and he hoped the hon. Gentleman would be satisfied with the assurance that the matter was engaging his anxious attention.