§ MR. HAYTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will state the number of prisoners now in local and convict prisons in the United Kingdom who have been committed for false attestation on enlistment; and whether he will take steps whereby the merits of each case could be investigated, with a view to a recommendation being made to the proper authorities that the most deserving should be released or handed over to the military authorities, or will he explain why this cannot be done.
(Answer.) 153. I am afraid it would be impossible for me to select a special class of offenders and inquire into all the circumstances of their convictions. If in any particular case any representation 371 for a remission of sentence is made to me on grounds stated it will be carefully considered.—(Home Office.)