HC Deb 05 May 1908 vol 188 cc55-6
MR. LUPTON (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the fact that three men, Batty, Brown and Thompson, were sentenced each to twelve months imprisonment for breaking a shop window; if these men were all quite willing and anxious to work for their living but were unable to obtain employment; and if he will reduce the sentences.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE, Leeds, W.)

I regret that I am not able to add anything to the reply which I gave yesterday in answer to the hon. Member for North-East Manchester.

MR. LUPTON

Is it not the fact that these men were willing to work and were not habitual loafers?

MR. GLADSTONE

No, sir; but I believe one man was in actual employment at the time.

MR. LUPTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman, without questioning the sentence, bear in mind that these men were misguided and were not habitual criminals, and consequently modify the punishment?

MR. CLYNES (Manchester, N.E.)

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the reasons which led him to the conclusion not to interfere with the sentences?

MR. GLADSTONE

I am afraid I cannot make any further statement.