HC Deb 25 October 1909 vol 12 cc742-3
Mr. WATSON RUTHERFORD

I desire to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department a question of which I have given him private notice, (1) Whether he is aware that official disclosures were made last Friday morning from which it appears evident that the present dangerous situation in Liverpool originated not with anything said or done by Pastor George Wise, but in consequence of and following upon the erection of an altar in a public street, for which official permission was given through some blunder on the part of the authorities? (2) Whether he is a ware that on Saturday afternoon last Pastor George Wise surrendered and was escorted to gaol by a procession of 60,000 sympathising citizens? (3) Whether the inquiry for which the Government has promised a Bill, which I believe is to be introduced to-day, will not necessarily be largely concerned with events connected with Pastor George Wise? (4) Whether it is reasonably fair and just to the Protestant community of Liverpool that this inquiry should be held whilst Mr. Wise is in prison, and therefore unable to take part? (5) Whether the Secretary of State can see his way to do an act of common fairness, and also allay popular excitement, by accepting Mr. Wise's solemn promise, supported by the offer of prominent citizens, to be bound over, that pending the official inquiry Mr. Wise will take no part in any public meeting which could reasonably be objected to as referring to a matter sub judice, and release Mr. Wise for the time being by allowing the warrant to stand over pending the inquiry? And lastly (6), I apologise for the length of the question—whether, pending consideration of the matter, he will give instructions for Mr. Wise to be put in the second division? May I also say that representations have been made to me——

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is entitled to ask questions, but not to air his views.

Mr. WATSON RUTHERFORD

It was not with a view of representing any views——

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member was making a statement.

Mr. WATSON RUTHERFORD

No, Sir; it was not a statement.

Mr. GLADSTONE

Communications have passed between the hon. Member and myself. I suggested to him that this question should be put down for Wednesday, and, perhaps, if that is convenient, the hon. Member will do so.

Mr. WATSON RUTHERFORD

Having regard to the extreme importance of the position and the great excitement in Liverpool, I readily fall in with the suggestion that these questions should be put down for Wednesday.