§ MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a person described as Francis George Widdows, who was convicted at the Old Bailey, on the 15th February, of a misdemeanour, and sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labour, is the same person who was recently in Belfast as ex-Monk Widdows; and, if so, whether steps can be taken to inform the public as to the true character of this person.
§ *MR. RITCHIEThe answer is in the affirmative. Widdow's true history and infamous character are well known at the Home Office and to everyone who cares to know the truth about him, and I shall be very glad if this statement on my part is the means of preventing credulous persons from being taken in by him.
§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)Will steps be taken to prevent this individual, when he emerges from prison, creating public disturbances by making speeches in the streets of the City of Belfast?
§ *MR. RITCHIEThat question had better be addressed to another quarter. I have no jurisdiction over Belfast.