§ MR PARTINGTON (Derbyshire, High Peak)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the case of two youths, A. B Ford, aged fifteen, and W. H. Mycock, aged seventeen, who were on 15th May last sentenced to twenty one days hard labour without the option of a fine, at Chapel-en-le-Frith, on the charge of theft; and, whether, in view of the fact that it is a first offence, he can see his way to authorise a reduction of the sentence in question.
(Answer.) My attention had not previously been called to this case. The fact of the offence charged being a first offence would not of itself justify a reduction of the, sentence which the Court thought right to impose; but if any further information reaches me which would appear to render investigation desirable I will at once make inquiry into the case.—(Home Office.)