HC Deb 08 December 1926 vol 200 cc2115-7
Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he could make any statement regarding an amnesty for prisoners sentenced on charges arising out of conduct during the recent coal dispute?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

The Government do not propose to interfere with the sentences referred to in the question. As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, where there appears to exist reasonable doubt as to the propriety of a particular decision, it is the right, and, indeed, the duty, of the Home Secretary to review all the relevant cir- cumstances. This practice will naturally be observed in the present, as in all other, cases.

Mr. MacDONALD

As in the view of a great many people who followed this matter every case requires reviewing, particularly that of Mr. Arthur Jenkins, does the answer that we have just received mean that as a matter of fact the Government are prepared to consider every case that may be brought before their notice?

The PRIME MINISTER

It means exactly what I said in the answer. The prerogative always attaches to the Home Secretary and to him alone.

Mr. BATEY

Seeing that the Home Secretary is ill, can any other Minister release men who have been sent to prison?

The PRIME MINISTER

Whenever a Home Secretary is out of the country, or ill, the responsibility of his work is undertaken by another Secretary of State. In the present instance, for the time being, the Secretary of State for India is acting for the Home Secretary.

Mr. MacDONALD

Apropos the answer just made, the question of the Emergency Powers Act Regulations is on the Order Paper, I understand, for to-morrow night, and is to be debated to-morrow night. Will the Home Secretary, happily I hope, be here, or, if not, who will take charge of the Debate.

The PRIME MINISTER

I regret to say that the Home Seeretary will not be here for some little time. The Debate will be conducted by the Attorney-General.

Captain BENN

At what time of day will the Debate begin?

The PRIME MINISTER

That mast depend on the course of business. I cannot say.

Captain BENN

Is it proposed to take it at the conclusion of all the ordinary day's business?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is sure to come on rather late.

Captain BENN

Is the Prime Minister aware that at midnight to-morrow all the Regulations come into force again?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not think my hon. and gallant Friend is correct in that statement.

Captain BENN

Is the Prime Minister not aware that the Order in Council was made operative as from midnight on Thursday, and the Regulations come into force again to-morrow at midnight?

The PRIME MINISTER

My hon. and gallant Friend can rest assured that we shall take it at whatever time will ensure it being passed in the necessary time.

Mr. PALING

May I ask whether the Prime Minister's answer to Members on this side, in connection with the release of prisoners, is another expression of his usual good will?