HC Deb 09 November 1908 vol 195 c1696
MR. BYLES

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Miss Mary Manning, who was among the twelve suffragists who were committed to one month's imprisonment in the third class by the Westminster Police Court magistrate last Thursday, is the daughter of a clergyman and a graduate in honours at the London University; is he aware that this was her first offence and was committed without any criminal intent; and does any power reside in the Home Office to modify the sentence or the prison treatment to which she is subjected.

*MR. GLADSTONE

This lady has already been transferred to the second division by order of the magistrate.

MR. BYLES

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of the Question. What are the limits of the Home Secretary's power in modifying sentences or treatment?

*MR. GLADSTONE

That opens up a large question, but my hon. friend will know that I have jurisdictions regards Prison Rules, but statutory Prison Rules when made have to be observed.