§ Mr. CONOR O'KELLYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been 891 called to a case tried before the Welsh-pool Bench on Tuesday last, in which two labourers were charged at the instance of the head gamekeeper of the Earl of Powis with destroying and attempting to carry away 12 rabbits valued at 5d. each, and in which case the magistrates imposed A sentence on one of the defendants of three months' imprisonment with hard labour, and, failing to find sureties, to a further period of imprisonment of six months, and on the other defendant a sentence of two months' imprisonment with hard labour, and, in default of sureties, to an additional period of imprisonment of six months; and whether he will see his way to reduce these sentences?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better hear first what the Minister has to say in answer.
§ The TREASURER of the HOUSEHOLD (Sir E. Strachey)The Home Secretary is making an inquiry into this case, which has not yet been completed, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.
§ Mr. REESArising out of that, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that this was a bad case of night poaching by two men who had often been previously convicted, one of whom had served two sentences for night poaching and assault?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe inquiry the hon. Member has promised will bring out the facts.