HC Deb 31 July 1935 vol 304 cc2655-6
62. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to order the release of Mrs. Kelly, the expectant mother who was recently sentenced to six months' imprisonment for alleged perjury in the Garngad trial in Glasgow?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)

I have already made a full statement on this case on 4th July, and I am not prepared, in the meantime, to alter my decision regarding it. I may assure the hon. Member that Mrs. Kelly is in good health and having special attention, and that she will be removed to a hospital outside the prison for her confinement.

Mr. McGOVERN

In view of the fact that this woman was one of eight, that her husband has already been sentenced on the same charge, and that she has been in prison five or six weeks, could not the right hon. Gentleman hold that justice has been satisfied in her special case, and as an act of clemency order her release?

Sir G. COLLINS

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that all these matters have been taken into consideration. I made a full statement on the subject on 4th July, and I am afraid that I am unable to go beyond it.

Mr. BUCHANAN

The right hon. Gentleman states, in answer to the question, that it is intended to allow this woman out to have a child, and does he intend, after the woman has given birth to the child, to re-arrest her and have her brought back to prison?

Sir G. COLLINS

That is a matter which will arise at a later stage. I have already stated that I am not prepared, in the meantime, to alter my decision in regard to it.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is it not against all the principles of justice that once a woman is released for this purpose, she should be brought back to prison, and cannot he at least make a definite statement that it is not the intention of the Government to bring her back to prison?

Sir G. COLLINS

Naturally I will consider the matter very sympathetically when the case arises.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice, on behalf of my hon. Friend and myself, that this matter will certainly be raised before the House adjourns.