HC Deb 09 July 1908 vol 192 cc68-9
MR. W. THORNE, (West Ham, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the sentence of two months' imprisonment passed upon G. H. Fletcher by the Sheffield stipendiary for addressing meetings in the public park; and whether, in view of the character of the sentence and Fletcher's previous good character, he will take steps to reduce the sentence.

MR. GLADSTONE

I have made careful inquiry into this case. The offence was persistent refusal to comply with a bye-law made by the local representative body in the public interest, and I regret that I should not feel justified in advising any interference.

MR. W. THORNE

Did not the corporation break their own bye-laws and thus cause all the trouble?

MR. GLADSTONE

I am not aware of that.

MR. W. THORNE

It is the fact.

*MR. GLADSTONE

I may add that if the person to whom the question refers cares to give any assurance that he will observe the bye-law I will give further consideration to the case.