HC Deb 22 May 1912 vol 38 cc1920-1
Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Mr. Guy Bowman was editor of the "Syndicalist" in which the "don't shoot" appeal to soldiers appeared, whereas Mr. Tom Mann had no direct connection with the production of the paper, and was only very indirectly and in a general way liable for the management; and whether, as two months' imprisonment has been held sufficient to vindicate the law in the case of the former, he will reduce Mr. Mann's sentence still further by ordering his immediate release?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)

I have carefully considered all the facts of this case, and I regret that I am unable to advise any further reduction of the sentence passed upon Mr. Mann.

Mr. HUNT

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can say if any Member of this House can lawfully at public meetings urge soldiers not to shoot?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a legal question, and not one for the Home Secretary.

Mr. W. THORNE

Of course he can.