§ Mr. O'GRADYhad given notice of the following question: "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the responsibility of the husband of Mrs. Woolmore, the woman recently convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for neglecting her five children, was considered by the Bench; whether at the hearing of the case anything was stated showing that the woman pleaded guilty at the husband's request; and, if so, whether, in consideration of that and also that the neglect for which Mrs. Woolmore is imprisoned arose because the husband frequently earned no more than 8s. per week, which together with the condition and situation of the cottage contributed to make the woman mentally defective, he will order her release, and place her in charge of one, among the number of persons, who have offered to care for and nurse her back to health."
The HON. MEMBERIt is not necessary to ask the question, as the right hon. Gentleman has already taken action in the way of releasing Mrs. Woolmore.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs the question has been put on the Paper, I think it is desirable to answer it. The husband as well as the wife were charged with the offence of cruelty to their children, and the Bench, I understand, fully considered the question of their individual responsibility. The husband was at work all day and brought home regularly his weekly wages of 16s., and the Justices thought that in these circumstances the wife—rather than the husband—was responsible for the deplorable condition of filth in which the family lived. I have no information to show that the husband advised the wife to plead guilty, but it is quite clear from the evidence that she really had no alternative. The only thing that can excuse her offence in any degree is the fact, now clearly established, that she is of weak mind. I am glad to be able to say that a lady who has interested 814 herself in the case very kindly offered to receive Mrs. Woolmore into her home and to do her best for her; and I therefore felt justified in recommending the remission of what remained of the sentence. Mrs. Woolmore was released on Friday last to the care of this lady, who will, I trust, be able, with the help of others, to prevent the family again falling into the terrible condition in which they were found.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDAs I understand that the mental condition of the woman has been put down to the insanitary condition of the cottage, can the right hon. Gentleman inform us of the name of the landlord?