HC Deb 23 August 1887 vol 319 cc1528-9
MR. HENRY H. FOWLER (Wolverhampton, E.)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is correct that live persons are now undergoing imprisonment in Leicester Gaol for holding a religious service in Stamford Market Place on Sunday evening, the 14th instant?

MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman had any information regarding a similar occurrence alleged to have taken place at Winchester?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)

the Governor of Leicester Gaol informs me by telegraph that there are five persons in Leicester Gaol sentenced to imprisonment, in default of paying a fine, on the charge of obstructing the highway. They are members of the Salvation Army. I have asked the Justices for a Report, which has not yet been received. I have not heard of any similar occurrence at Winchester.

MR. HENRY H. FOWLER

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he did not consider that 21 days' imprisonment was far too grave a punishment for the technical offence of obstructing the highway, the real offence being preaching in the Market Place on Sunday evening?

MR. MATTHEWS

I must receive the Report of the Justices before I pass condemnation, if the right hon. Member will allow.

MR. HENRY H. FOWLER

I will repeat the Question on Thursday.