§ SIR G. KEKEWICH (Exeter)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has made inquiries with reference to the case of Mrs. Hunt, of Exmouth, who has been committed to Exeter Gaol for contempt of Court in not removing a stall which she has held for thirty years on Exmouth beach; and, if so, what is the result of his inquiries.
§ MR. GLADSTONEI understand that Mrs. Hunt has been committed to prison for refusal to comply with an order of the County Court. In these circumstances I regret to say that I can take no action in the matter, as I have no power to interfere with the procedure of a civil Court. Mrs. Hunt can always apply to the Judge and will no doubt obtain her release if she undertakes to obey the order.