§ Mr. M'ARTHURasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, seeing that the commitment of Pastor Wise was due to police proceedings which were to form the subject of inquiry, he would say what action, if any, he proposed to take to enable the said Pastor Wise to prepare and submit his case to the Commission free from the prejudice and disadvantage attaching to his present position?
The HON. MEMBERalso asked whether the right hon. Gentleman had considered the representations which had been made to him in favour of the release of Pastor Wise from Walton Gaol, Liverpool, and could now announce his decision on the subject?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEI have under my consideration the representations mentioned by the hon. Member, and the disadvantages attaching to Mr. Wise's present position have been brought to my notice, but I am not at present prepared to announce any decision.
§ Mr. M'ARTHURWhen is the right hon. Gentleman likely to arrive at a decision?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down another question.
§ Mr. PATRICK O'BRIENIs it not the fact that Mr. Wise is in prison because he refuses to give bail for his good conduct outside, and that if at any moment he gives bail he can come out and prepare his defence as he pleases?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEThe facts are well known.