HC Deb 25 July 1893 vol 15 c468
MR. W. WHITELAW (Perth)

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether a warder in Peterhead Prison was recently dismissed from the service on account of a charge of having been the worse for drink when on duty three years ago; if so, is it usual to punish a public servant for an offence committed three years before the charge is heard of?

THR SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir G. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, Bridgeton

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. But, on a Report received from the Prison Commissioners, from which it appears that a full inquiry was held into all the circumstances of the case, which were of the most aggravated character, I see no reason to interfere with the discretion properly exercised by the Commissioners under Rule 238.

MR. W. WHITELAW

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at a similar inquiry at Glasgow the investigation was limited to the 12 months immediately preceding?

SIR G. TREVELYAN

I cannot say. But I do not think this man could have been kept on as a warder.