§ MR. SLOAN) (Belfast, S.I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the proceedings arising out of a public meeting held at Liverpool on 30th August last, in connection with which Mr. J. A. Kensit was bound over to keep the peace in £200 and two sureties of like sum, or in default there months imprisonment, while other persons were bound over in their own recognisances of £5; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine'sSome two months ago the case to which the Hon. Member refers was engaging my almost hourly attention. I then took the action which appeared to me to be right, and in the special circumstances which arose, I advised the release of Mr. Kensit. There is no further action for me to take.
[In answer to a further question by Mr. SLOAN, Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS said he did not interfere with the action of the stipendiary magistrate. He only acted with regard to the reduction of the sentence.]
§ MR. TULLY) (Leitrim, S.Will the right hon. Gentleman recommend a reduction of the sentences of bail prisoners in Ireland?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!