MR. LLOYD MORGAN (Carmarthenshire, W.)I beg to ask the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the conviction of four boys, aged nine, twelve, twelve, and thirteen, by the Dudley magistrates for the offence of bathing in the canal, within 200 yards of the street, without wearing bathing drawers; whether, through not being able to pay the fines imposed, the boys were sent to prison for seven days; whether the boys wore of good character; and whether, having regard to their age and character and the trifling nature of their offence, the right hon. Gentleman would order their discharge forthwith.
§ MR. GLADSTONEThree only of the boys were sent to prison, the fourth having had his fine paid. As soon as I heard of the matter on Thursday last I sent a telegram of inquiry, and in consequence of what I was informed I sent a telegram the following day ordering the immediate release of the boys.
§ MR. CHIOZZA MONEYasked whether there was any method of dealing with these Justices.
§ MR. GLADSTONEWill my hon. friend defer his Question? I am making inquiries into the whole case.
§ MR. LEA (St. Pancras, E.)Will the right hon. Gentleman represent these cases to the Lord Chancellor with a view to having these Justices kicked out?
§ [No Answer was returned.]