§ 42. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will now consider the advisability of liberating from gaol John Maclean, a graduate of Glasgow and a school teacher by profession, who has been imprisoned for more than a year under the Defence of the Realm Act for making speeches of an inflammatory character, in view of the fact that prisoners of other nationalities are being released wholesale by order of the Government?
§ Mr. MUNROJohn Maclean has now served more than half of the normal term for which he would be under detention. I have come to the conclusion, having regard to all the circumstances, and in particular to the possible effect of continued imprisonment upon his health, that I am justified in sanctioning his early release on license, and I propose to issue instructions to that effect.
§ Mr. KINGWhy did the right hon. Gentleman inform me last week that his health had improved lately?