§ Mr. WRIGHTasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Miss Rose Elsie Neville Howey, suffragette, who was sentenced on the 11th December, 1912, to two months' imprisonment in the third division forgiving a false fire alarm and who is now in Holloway Prison; and whether, in view 371 of the state of her health at the time of her imprisonment, he will exercise in her case the clemency which he has shown in the case of other similar offenders, charged with more serious offences, at any rate, so far as to issue an order permitting Miss Howey to be visited at an early date by her mother and her medical adviser?
§ Mr. McKENNAThis prisoner's health is well maintained, notwithstanding her persistent refusal to take food in the ordinary way. I see no reason for advising any reduction of her sentence, nor for allowing her the privilege of receiving visits, which she has forfeited by her misconduct. I would point out that she can secure her discharge at any time by payment of the remaining proportion of the fine imposed by the Court.
§ Mr. WRIGHTDocs the right hon. Gentleman consider that giving a false fire alarm is a more serious offence than trying to set letters on fire?
§ Mr. McKENNANo. The hon. Gentleman's question does not touch that point. The only question which we have to consider in keeping her in prison now is whether her health is well maintained or not, and she is, I am informed, in good health.