§ SIR HENRY HOAREsaid, he would Deg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is the fact, as stated in the "Somerset County Herald," that he has received a Memorial from the Magistrates of Trowbridge, stating that a man named Brittan is at this time in prison for stealing two ducks, the offence having since his conviction been proved to have been committed by two other men, and for which they have been tried and convicted; and, whether it is true that he has declined to sanction Brittan's release?
MR. BRUCEYes, Sir, it is quite true. After full consideration of the circumstances I have come to the conclusion that all three had been engaged in the business. I suppose my hon. Friend will not dispute the possibility of three men having been engaged in stealing two ducks.