§ MR. MACFARLANEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If his attention has been called to the case of a man named Charles Frost, who was charged at the Mansion House with having attempted to destroy himself; and if it is true, as stated by the man, that he was tried three years ago and sentenced to fifteen years penal servitude upon the perjured, evidence of a police officer, and after serving two years was released, his innocence having been proved; and, if the man's statement is well founded, whether it is his intention to grant him any compensation for the injury done him by such miscarriage of justice?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTSir, this is one of those unfortunate cases that do sometimes occur of mistaken 1757 identity. On careful investigation the man was found to have been wrongfully convicted. He was pardoned, and I took every pains to see that he should get good employment afterwards, which he did get. As to what has happened since, I am not particularly informed; but I have ordered further inquiries into the matter, in order that what can be done may be done.
§ MR. MACFARLANEinquired whether, in accordance with precedent, some compensation could not be made to the man?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI cannot answer that Question, but I will order further inquiries to be made.