§ MR. HUNT (Shropshire, Ludlow)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the only 1536 complaint against Ordinary Seaman Bath during his imprisonment has been that of quarrelling with other prisoners, not necessarily his fault; whether he is aware that Bath has now been in prison for three and a half years for quite unpremeditated crime committed in a sudden fit of passion; and whether he will now consider the advisability of releasing Bath.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. MCKENNA,) Monmouthshire, N.The detailed report now received from the Prisons Commissioners, as to the offences committed by Eli Bath in Portland and Parkhurst Prisons, does not bear out the statements made in the hon. Member's Question.
§ MR. HUNTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Bath is now wearing a good conduct badge on his prison dress? Can the right hon. Gentleman say for what crime he is now being kept in prison?
§ MR. McKENNAThere are various offences charged against him; some connected with his quarrelling with his fellow prisoners and others are offences against discipline. I am glad to hear he is wearing a good conduct badge.
§ MR. HUNTIs not the crime of stealing secrets much more serious than the one of which Bath was guilty?
§ * MR. SPEAKERThat is a matter of opinion.
§ MR. H. C. LEA (St. Pancras, E.)Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the time has arrived when this man might be discharged?
§ MR. McKENNAI have already answered that question.