§ MR. SUTHERLAND (Elgin Burghs)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the cause of the delay in bringing to trial the assailants of the students of the Scots College at Rome; and whether he can state if and when the trial is likely to take place.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYThe trial was to have taken place this month, the delay being accounted for by the necessity of collecting additional evidence and of ascertaining how far the injuries of the victims were likely to be permanent, with a view to the proper assessment of the I penalties. It now appears, however, that the accused have appealed against the I judgment of the Court of First Instance, committing them for trial by the Court of Assize, and it is to be feared that the case will not be heard before November. His Majesty's Ambassador will continue to do all in his power to secure an early hearing, and I may add that the legal adviser to His Majesty's Consulate has been instructed to watch the proceedings.