§ MR. W. THORNE, (West Ham, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the sentence of two months' imprisonment passed upon G. H. Fletcher by the Sheffield stipendiary for addressing meetings in the public park; and whether, in view of the character of the sentence and Fletcher's previous good character, he will take steps to reduce the sentence.
§ MR. GLADSTONEI have made careful inquiry into this case. The offence was persistent refusal to comply with a bye-law made by the local representative body in the public interest, and I regret that I should not feel justified in advising any interference.
§ MR. W. THORNEDid not the corporation break their own bye-laws and thus cause all the trouble?
§ MR. GLADSTONEI am not aware of that.
§ MR. W. THORNEIt is the fact.
§ *MR. GLADSTONEI may add that if the person to whom the question refers cares to give any assurance that he will 69 observe the bye-law I will give further consideration to the case.