HC Deb 01 July 1909 vol 7 cc596-7
Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been directed to the case of a young man called Taylor convicted in December, 1906, for feloniously stealing a few farthings and metal spoons, and sentenced to 14 years' penal servitude; and whether he will now consider all the circumstances of the case and the fact that it was the young man's first offence, with a view to mitigating the sentence?

Mr. GLADSTONE

This case—a very serious case of burglary—has been repeatedly brought to my notice, and I have care- fully considered all the circumstances, but I do not feel able at present to recommend any interference with the sentence.

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

Are we to understand from the statement of the right hon. Gentleman that stealing a few spoons constitutes a serious burglary?

Mr. GLADSTONE

I have taken into consideration all the circumstances of the case which are not mentioned in the question.

Mr. CATHCART WASON

Is not it the case that it was the young man's first offence?

Mr. GLADSTONE

I cannot say that it was his first offence. It is his first conviction.