MR. BRYNMOR JONES (Swansea District)May I ask the Home Secretary whether it is a fact that Chief Warder Scott of Newgate Gaol was on Saturday last served with a writ of subpœna to Amelia Dyer, requiring her to appear on the 16th inst. at the Berkshire Assizes; whether Amelia Dyer is now at Newgate under sentence of death, and is to be executed on Wednesday; and what course the right hon. Gentleman intends to take in the matter?
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYIt is true that the Chief Warder in Newgate was served with a subpœna in respect of the convict Amelia Dyer. The hon. and learned Member is probably aware that a subpœna is not valid against a person convicted of a criminal offence. The subpœna has been returned and the money paid back. I have been in communication with the solicitors for the defence and have informed them as to the proper mode of proceeding, and also that it is not the intention of the Crown to offer any evidence against the prisoner Mrs. Palmer.