§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the sentence passed on each of three men for the offence of destroying two rabbits on land in the occupation of a Mr. Cousins, of Tregwynt, namely, two months' imprisonment each, 480 with hard labour, on the expiration of the sentences each defendant to find a surety of £10 or two sureties of £5. failing this, each defendant to be further imprisoned for six months; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEOwing to difficulty in tracing the case to which the hon. Member refers, I have only just been able to obtain a police report, and have not yet had time to communicate with the magistrates. The case is, therefore, still under my consideration, and I will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as I am in a position to do so.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will make the question one of urgency, because, if not, the result will be that the men's time will have expired?