HC Deb 02 May 1898 vol 57 c25
MR. J. P. FARRELL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the sentence of five years' penal servitude imposed on Michael M'Manus, at the Longford Easter Quarter Sessions; whether it is true that the value of the potatoes stolen by M'Manus was not more than two shillings; and is there any means of reviewing or reducing this heavy sentence?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I am informed that the facts are as stated in the first and second paragraphs. M'Manus was an old offender. As regards the last paragraph, it is, of course, in this, as in all similar cases, open to the prisoner, or any person on his behalf, to forward a memorial to the Lord Lieutenant, praying for a mitigation of the sentence.

MR. J. P. FARRELL

Will a memorial be considered?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

Yes.