§ MR. C. J. DARLING (Deptford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he would state what prisoners convicted of treason-felony, or other crimes connected with the use or unlawful possession of dynamite, have been released during this year before the expiration of the terms of their sentences, and the amount of penal servitude or imprisonment remitted in each case?
§ MR. ASQUITHTwo prisoners—namely, Peter Callaghan and Henry M'Cann—both convicted of treason-felony and sentenced to penal servitude for life, have been released on licence in the present year. Each of the prisoners had served 11 years and three months. The intention to release, and the grounds for so doing, were in each case stated by me in this House in answer to questions.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)asked whether, in view of the great public meetings recently held in Ireland in favour of the release of the treason-felony prisoners now in Portland, the right hon. Gentleman would consider their cases with a view to their release.
§ MR. ASQUITHI have no further statement to make at present.
§ MR. W. REDMONDwas proceeding to repeat his question, when he was called to order.