§ 88. Colonel DAYasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a 948 number of letters written by Norman Thorne to his father were detained by the authorities; that one was detained on account of a reference to Dr. Spilsbury, and another on account of the inclusion of some verses of Thorne's own composition; that all his letters written between 11th and 18th April were detained; that letters written to Norman Thorne by relatives and friends were not delivered with the exception of one from Mrs. Cameron; that Thorne's last letter to his father was not released for delivery until after his execution; and whether he will explain the reason for this course of action on the part of the authorities?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe usual practice was followed in this case. Certain letters written by the prisoner were stopped, because they commented improperly upon the conduct of the deceased girl and her relatives, and upon persons connected with the case. The prisoner was, however, allowed to send a large number of letters, most of which appear to have been handed to the Press by the recipients. No incoming letters were stopped.
§ Mr. B. SMITHWill the hon. Gentleman tell us whether the prisoner himself was informed that the letters he had sent were in fact stopped?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONNo, I cannot answer that question, but, under the standing orders, the Governor of every prison is given full discretion to stop any letter which he may think improper.
§ Mr. SMITHThe point I want to make —[HON. MEMBERS: "Order" !]. Surely the prisoner ought to have been notified that the letters would not, in fact, be sent, and should be amended. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order !"]
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat it should be put in the form of a question.