§ Mr. M'ARTHURasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can now give the name of the Commissioner who will inquire into recent sectarian disturbances in Liverpool and say what course he proposes to take to enable Mr. George Wise to prepare and submit his case to the Commission free from the prejudice and disadvantage attaching to his present position as a prisoner in Walton Gaol?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEThe two announcements which appeared in the Press on Saturday morning last contain the information which the hon. Member desires. The name of the Commissioner is Mr. Arthur J. Ashton, K.C. As regards Mr. George Wise, I have felt justified in advising the remission of the remainder of the period of four months for which Mr. Wise was committed to Liverpool Prison in default of entering into a recognisance to keep the peace. I have taken this course in order to enable Mr. Wise to prepare his case and attend as a witness before the Commissioner. Mr. Wise has given an undertaking, in a petition which he has addressed to me, that he will not speak at nor take part in any public open-air meeting until after the forthcoming inquiry has been held, and that he will use his utmost power to set to rest the unsettled condition of affairs in the city and to help the authorities in restoring peace.