§ DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College)asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Customs have received a memorial or memorials, praying for the release of Walter Walker, presently detained in Calton Gaol for non-payment of £821 5s., the amount of penalties to which he was adjudged liable for complicity in smuggling tobacco; whether it is true, as stated, that Walker has been in prison since the 27th of March, 1888, that his health has suffered greatly from his confinement, that his wife and children have become paupers, and that there is no prospect whatever of Walker being able to pay the penalties for which he is liable; and what sum has up to this date been expended by the Commissioners for Walker's aliment?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON,) Leeds, N.Walker has been in confinement since the 27th of March, 1888, the date of his arrest. He will be liberated at the expiration of a year from the date of his conviction, which took place on the 30th May, 1888, the period of his imprisonment being regulated by the provisions of Section 4 of the Debtors (Scotland) Act, 1880. The Board of Customs have no information as to the state of Walker's health, as to the condition of his wife and children, or as to his ability to pay the penalties for which he is liable. No sum has been expended by the Commissioners of Customs for Walker's aliment, as all such expenses are defrayed out of the Prison Vote.