§ MR. W. THORNE (West Ham, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the case of William Woodgate, an ex-soldier, who was 1209 charged at the North London Police Court, on Saturday, 24th October, with placing himself in Seven Sisters Road, Holloway, for the purpose of receiving alms, and was sentenced to two months hard labour, although he stated he had been out of work for the past ten weeks and owed five weeks rent and was trying to get a few pence to buy bread for his wife and child; and if he can see his way to have the sentence reduced.
§ *MR. HERBERT SAMUELMy right hon. friend is making inquiry, and will let the hon. Member know his decision.