MR. J. WILSON (Durham)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of Harriet Harlidge, who was tried at the recent Durham Assizes for the murder of George Dixon; whether he is aware that, although the jury returned a verdict of "Manslaughter" without previous intention, the Judge sentenced the prisoner to 20 years' penal servitude, and in so doing stated that the prisoner had intended to take the life of the deceased; and whether he will consider the case with the view to a commutation of the sentence?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS, Birmingham, E.)At present I have only seen a newspaper account of the case. The facts as stated there amount to a very grave case of homicide, and do not disclose any grounds for advising interference with the sentence. I will duly consider any representation that may be made to me on the woman's behalf.