HC Deb 24 June 1907 vol 176 cc885-6
MR. F. E. SMITH (Liverpool, Walton)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what grounds he has decided to withhold from the House of Commons Papers which have been before the Edalji Committee and which will be referred to on the Home Office Vote.

MR. GLADSTONE

The reason for my decision is that all documents and communications, which are received by the Home Office in relation to the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, are strictly confidential; and that it would be contrary to the public interest if they were not so treated.

LORD R. CECIL

May I ask if the documents submitted to the Edalji Committee are in the same position as Home Office documents relative to the prerogative of mercy?

MR. GLADSTONE

Yes, Sir. All the documents at the Home Office were submitted to the Committee.

SIR GILBERT PARKER

Will the Papers be referred to on the Home Office Vote?

MR. GLADSTONE

I cannot say at present.