§ Mr. FELLasked if the Celtic shepherd, David Davies, will be allowed to return to Dartmoor Prison and resume the occupation he pursued there prior to his release, if he surrenders to the authorities or is captured by the detective who is now searching for him?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs the question is hypothetical and depends on circumstances, some of which are not within my knowledge, I am afraid I cannot enter into any undertaking at the present time.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not think I should reply to that question until I know the facts. My present intention is not to punish because he did not comply with one or two unusual conditions that attached to his licence, for the purpose of keeping him out of trouble.
§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will not consider the propriety of publishing a free pardon in the papers for the purpose of inducing this shepherd to come out of his hiding-place?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not think it would be suitable for me to put into the papers a notice that if he came out of his hiding-place all would be forgotten and forgiven.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYWhat are the use of licences if these people can so easily elude the vigilance of the police?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is a very large question, with which I should be glad of the opportunity of dealing.