§ MR. BARNES (Glasgow, Blackfriars)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the case of the conviction of a boy, fifteen years of age, for the theft of biscuits valued at 3d., and the sentence of fourteen days hard labour for such theft passed at the Town Hall, Carlisle, on the 31st ultimo; and if, having regard to the fact of the theft being a first offence, he can take steps to remit the remainder of the term of imprisonment.
§ MR. GLADSTONEI have made inquiry into the case to which I understand the hon. Member to refer, and I find that the facts were not as represented in the newspapers. The defendant was eighteen years of age, not fifteen; he was of bad character, and he had been guilty of theft before. In the circumstances I see no reason for advising a reduction of sentence.