HC Deb 01 July 1897 vol 50 cc871-2
MR. MICHAEL DAVITT

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received en appeal signed by, among others, Mr. Joseph Cowen, the Mayor and Sheriff of Newcastle-on-Tyne, over 30 Justices of the Peace, and over 40 Town Councillors of the Tyneside district, asking for the release of the few remaining Irish prisoners now in prison under the Treason-felony or Explosives Acts; and whether he can see his way to lay this petition upon the Table of the House?

SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY

I have received a printed copy of this memorial, which shows that it is signed as suggested in the Question. It is, however, quite contrary to practice to lay petitions to the Crown upon the Table of the House, and I do not propose to depart from the usual practice in the present instance.

MR. W. ALLAN (Gateshead)

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he cannot see his way to accede to the prayer of so influential a petition? ["Hear, hear!" and Irish cheers.]

SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY

That is rather a different question. I have not yet received the original. I can only say that when I do, it shall be duly considered, and every weight given to the importance of it. At present I am not in a position to add anything to the statement I have already made to the House.