Lieut.-Colonel THORNEasked the Home Secretary what prison Mr. F. Watson is in, who was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for a speech made at the Albert Hall, and what kind of work he is doing; if he is aware that statements have been made that he has received money from the police through the Government; if he is prepared to give Mr. Watson an opportunity to state his case; and if he will have inquiry made into the matter of the whole question?
§ Mr. SHORTTWatson is in Pentonville Prison. He is employed as a cleaner and in making tabs for mail bags. Watson made his own statement on the subject referred to in the Police Court, and will have an opportunity of making any further statement he wishes at the end of his sentence. I know of no reason for instituting any inquiry into the matter.