§ 14. Mr. W. THORNEasked whether all communications with Julia Decies have been forbidden for the next two months?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe prisoner is being treated in accordance with the ordinary rules, and she will not be entitled to receive another visit or letter until the expiration of three months from the date of sentence. She was allowed a visit and letter during the first week of sentence.
§ 16. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Home Secretary if he will again consider the case of Julia Decies in consequence of the jury's plea for mercy; if he is aware that certain evidence that might have weighed in her favour was suppressed; if he is aware that Julia Decies was wounded in consequence of the man Piffard striking her first before she fired the shot; if he is aware that several respectable people are willing to provide a home for her if she is released from prison; and, in consequence of the effect of the stab on the woman's health and the way she was treated by the man Piffard, will he either grant her release or reduce the sentence?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am advised that the statements in the question are not accurate, but it is in any case impossible for me to discuss the details of a criminal case by way of question and answer across the floor of the House; nor can I form any opinion as to the weight to be given to the pleas which are urged until I see them explicitly set forth with a statement of the facts on which they are based. If any representations on behalf of the prisoner are submitted to me in the usual way, I will give them the most careful consideration.