§ 38. Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Mr. Thomas Connor, 17, County park Street, Glasgow, was convicted at Glasgow Sheriff Court on 24th January, 1939, of the theft of 5s. in a postal packet and 2610 was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment; and whether he will make inquiry into the circumstances of this case with a view to the reduction of the sentence?
§ Mr. ColvilleYes, Sir. The conviction was on indictment, and the charge was brought under Section 55 of the Post Office Act, 1908, which enacts heavy penalties for postmen who steal postal packets. I have made inquiries into the case and, after careful consideration of all the circumstances, I regret that I do not feel justified in advising any interference with the sentence.
§ Mr. StephenDid the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that this man will lose his pension rights; and in view of the smallness of the amount involved will he not reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. ColvilleI gave very earnest consideration to the use of the prerogative in this case, but the hon. Member will realise that Parliament in passing the Act took a very grave view of this type of offence, quite apart from the amount that might be stolen, and, in all the circumstances, I came to the conclusion that the prerogative could not be used in this case.
§ Mr. StephenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the following day a solicitor who embezzled £700 belonging to two widows was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment; and, in view of that fact, will he reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. Speaker rose—
§ Mr. StephenI beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter at the first opportunity.