HC Deb 04 October 1909 vol 11 cc1654-5
Mr. J. DILLON

asked the Home Secretary for what offence Mrs. Anne Cobden Sanderson has been sentenced to a week's imprisonment in the second division; and whether he will take steps immediately to secure that all political prisoners in this country shall be put in the first division or subjected to such treatment as was customary in the case of political prisoners in England a hundred years ago?

Mr. MASTERMAN

On 3rd September Mrs. Cobden Sanderson was convicted of obstructing the police in the execution of their duty, and sentenced to pay a fine of 40s., with the alternative of seven days' imprisonment in the second division. My right hon. Friend understands that she was discharged on her own recognisances pending the hearing of a case stated for the decision of the High Court on a point of law. As regards the latter part of the question, my right hon. Friend would refer the hon. Member to his numerous previous answers to questions in Parliament on this subject, and to his speech on the second reading of the Appropriation Bill on 4th August last.

Mr. DILLON

May I ask the hon. Gentleman, as I think this is an extremely serious business, whether he is now of opinion that the time has come to restore the ancient practice in England of treating political prisoners in a different class from that of common felons?

Mr. J. D. REES

Before the hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask whether the law of England recognises this lady or any other law breaker as a political prisoner?

Mr. DILLON

So much the more shame to England.