§ 39. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked why Alderman William O'Brien has not been released from prison in order that he might contest the Parliamentary division of Stockport, for which he was nominated as a candidate; why Mr. John M'Lean was released from prison to contest the Parliamentary constituency of Gorbals, in Glasgow, at the last General Election; and why Alderman O'Brien has not been brought to trial?
§ Mr. SHORTTEvery case is necessarily considered on its merits; and in the present case it has been decided that it is not desirable to release Mr. O'Brien for the purpose suggested or for any other purpose. I have nothing further to add to the statement made by the Leader of the House on the 26th instant.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCan the right hon. Gentleman inform me as to the present state of health of this gentleman?
§ Mr. SHORTTIt is rapidly improving.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNCan the right hon. Gentleman say under what charge Mr. O'Brien is imprisoned?
§ Mr. SHORTTThat question has been answered already.
§ Captain BENNNever.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that 1068 the Leader of the House gave no reason for not bringing Mr. O'Brien to trial, and that is why I gave notice of this question, in accordance with your advice, Mr. Speaker? May we now have an answer as to why Mr. O'Brien has not been brought to trial or put before a court-martial?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have nothing further to add.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYMay I ask whether, in addition to this unfortunate gentleman, there were six other candidates for Stockport, and whether, as far as their prospects of success were concerned, at least four of them might have been kept under lock and key?