§ MR. J. ROWLANDS (Finsbury, E.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention had been called to the case of Prank Leyburn, summoned before Mr. Paget, and sentenced to a fine of 40s. or seven days' imprisonment for holding a religious service in the street?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)This man was convicted not of holding a religious service, but of singing in the streets, contrary to the provisions of the Act relating to street music in the Metropolis. The question of religious service was not raised before the magistrate at all. The defendant declared his intention of not paying the 40s. I do not think that the punishment should extend beyond three days; and I have given directions to that effect.