HC Deb 21 July 1887 vol 317 cc1628-9
MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

(for Mr. CUNNINGHAMS GRAHAM) (Lanark, N.W.) asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the Royal pardon to be granted in celebration of the Jubilee to deserters from the Army will be extended to deserters from the Royal Navy?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

It is not usual for questions to be addressed to Ministers with reference to the exercise of the clemency of the Crown. I think that is a rule which the House generally will think it well to observe. I am unable, with reference to the question now put, to hold out any hope that the request will be granted.

MR. CONYBEARE

pointed out that the object of the question was to ascertain whether the same clemency was to be extended to deserters from the Navy as had been accorded to deserters from the Army.

MR. W. H. SMITH

It is hardly fair to say that the same clemency has not been extended to the Navy as to the Army. Several privileges have been granted to the Navy, but deserters from it have not received the Royal pardon.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)

Does not Her Majesty in all these matters act upon the advice of Her Ministers?

MR. W. H. SMITH

Certainly.