§ MR. J. G. TALBOTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is true that, three years having elapsed since the inhibition of the Rev. S. F. Green, the benefice which he held is now vacant; and, if so, whether any reason can be given for his further detention in prison; and, whether he would now advise the Crown to exercise the prerogative of mercy, and to secure his immediate release?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTSir, I think I have already stated to the House that I have been advised by the Law Officers of the Crown that this is a case in which the Prerogative of Mercy could hardly be properly or Constitutionally exercised. The hon. Member will see that the matter is one which is within the cognizance of the judicial bodies for contempt of whose jurisdiction Mr. Green is now imprisoned; but I am happy to learn that the Bishop of Manchester has recently brought the case under the notice of the Judge of the Court of Arches, and I hope that the result of that representation may be that which I think everybody will desire under the circumstances.