§ 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- 2116 cumstances. This practice will naturally be observed in the present, as in all other, cases.
§ Mr. MacDONALDAs 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 MINISTERIt means exactly what I said in the answer. The prerogative always attaches to the Home Secretary and to him alone.
§ Mr. BATEYSeeing that the Home Secretary is ill, can any other Minister release men who have been sent to prison?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWhenever 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. MacDONALDApropos 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 MINISTERI regret to say that the Home Seeretary will not be here for some little time. The Debate will be conducted by the Attorney-General.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat mast depend on the course of business. I cannot say.
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is sure to come on rather late.
Captain BENNIs the Prime Minister aware that at midnight to-morrow all the Regulations come into force again?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think my hon. and gallant Friend is correct in that statement.
Captain BENNIs 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 MINISTERMy 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. PALINGMay 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?