§ Mr. CHARLES ALLENasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent sentence on the Rev. S. J. Ford, a passive register, of Minchin-hampton, Gloucester, of two months' imprisonment for the non-payment of an education rate of 1s. 9d., and whether, in view of the severity of the sentence, he can see his way to reduce it?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE to the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Churchill)My attention has to-day been called to the sentence. I am advised that I have no power to remit or reduce imprisonment for non-payment of rates, but I will make immediate inquiries with regard to this case.