§ Mr. LANSBURYasked if the London magistrates were advised by the Home Office or police authorities to sentence the prisoners connected with the recent suffrage disturbances to sentences of hard labour and not to discriminate between first and second offenders; and, if so, will the Home Secretary review the sentences, so as to apportion the punishment of these offenders in accordance with their individual guilt?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second, I can only say that no case has been made out sufficient, in my opinion, to justify interference by means of the Prerogative of Mercy with any of the sentences passed on these offenders.
§ Mr. LANSBURYasked how many of the prisoners connected with the recent suffrage disturbances have been sentenced to hard labour; how many have applied for special treatment as political prisoners, and in how many cases has such treatment been allowed; and how many are in hospital and are being forcibly fed; and, if so, how many?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe number sentenced to hard labour is seventy-six, who are not eligible for special treatment under Rule 243a. Forty-two prisoners have been sentenced to imprisonment in the second or third division, and of these thirty-three are receiving treatment under that rule. The others have either forfeited the privileges by misconduct or are in hospital. Of the whole number of suffragette prisoners, including those waiting trial, nine are in hospital. All the prisoners are taking their food voluntarily.