§ Mr. MARTINasked the Secretary for Scotland whether John Ayling, who was sentenced at Edinburgh on 25th November, 1907, to ten years' penal servitude for forgery, was released from Peterhead convict prison on Saturday, 27th April last; and, if so, will he say on what grounds was this man liberated?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It would be contrary to practice to state the grounds upon which the prerogative of mercy is exercised in any case.
§ Mr. WATTWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether it was on account of his social status that this man was released?