§ MR. H. D. GREENEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the dates and places when and where the five sentences of flogging were passed which in 1899 were wholly or partly remitted; whether he will state in each case the full sentence ordered and the sentence actually inflicted or served and the grounds for such remission, and whether upon grounds of law or mercy; and whether such remissions were upon the initiative of any and what official, or individual, or society.
§ *SIR M. WHITE RIDLEYOn February 6th, at the Central Criminal Court, a sentence of twenty strokes and nine months with hard labour was ordered; the prisoner was discharged at the end of eight weeks and the flogging was not inflicted. On February 13th, at Liverpool assizes, a sentence of twenty strokes twice and four months with hard labour was ordered; twenty strokes were inflicted and four months served. At the same time and place a sentence of fifteen strokes thrice and six months with hard labour was ordered; thirty strokes were inflicted and six months served. At the same time and place a sentence of fifteen strokes twice and three months with hard labour was ordered; fifteen strokes were inflicted and three months served. On June 26th, at the Central Criminal Court, a sentence of twenty strokes and three years penal servitude was ordered the flogging was not inflicted, the prisoner
See page 37 of this volume.1315 is serving his sentence. It has always been my practice and that of my predecessors to deprecate inquiry in Parliament as to the grounds on which the exercise of the prerogative is advised. It would also be contrary to practice to give information about communications addressed to me.