§ SIR R. TEMPLE (Surrey, Kingston)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the correspondence concerning the annual "Thieves' Slipper"; and whether, seeing the opinion of Sir E. DuCane and others is so much opposed to the gathering in the interests of the prevention of crime, he can take steps to prevent or discourage them?
§ MR. ASQUITHThe terms "Thieves' Supper" appears to be a misnomer. I am informed that of the 150 boys present on the last occasion, only about 10 had been convicted, and all were gaining a livelihood by honest work, some Inning been in their situations for long periods. The matter is beyond my province. The object to be sought with regard to those who have fallen into ways of dishonesty and crime is to make them once more respectable members of society, but opinions differ as to the means to be adopted. My personal opinion is that large festive gatherings of a public character are not favourable to the end in view.