§ MR. KEARLEY (Devonport)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Mrs. Maybrick will be released under any general rule applicable to all female convicts similarly situated; if not, whether he will state the grounds for her release; and whether any, and, if any, how many, female convicts who are now in prison have been confined for a longer period than Mrs. Maybrick's term of actual imprisonment.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers-Douglas.) The circumstances of female convicts under life sentences vary so much that there can be no general rule applicable to all. Each case has to be considered on its merits, and each case is so considered from time to time. It would be contrary to practice to state the grounds on which the prerogative of mercy is exercised in any case. No female convict is now in custody who has been confined for a longer period than Mrs. Maybrick has been; but this fact does not imply any rule as to the maximum detention of female convicts.