§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Mrs. Baker, of 89, Commerce Road, has been committed to Holloway Prison for non-payment of rates; whether he is aware that the woman is seventy-three years of age, an old age pensioner, and formerly in receipt of parish allowance; and if he can see his way clear to order her release?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no power to order the release of prisoners committed in default of payment of rates. Applications on their behalf should be addressed to the overseers, or in London to the borough councils, who on good cause being shown can excuse them from payment and thus secure their release.