§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that a party of convicts, numbering about twelve, were removed from Leicester by a train leaving there at 2.45 p.m. on Thursday, 20th April; and if he can see his way to order that when convicts are removed from one prison to another such removal shall take place at a time when they are less likely to be exposed to the public gaze?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLTen short-term local prisoners were removed from Leicester to Derby by the train mentioned in the question in order to make room for ordinary commitments. The compartment was reserved for them, and they were not exposed to view more than is unavoidable in crossing the platform. Such removals are carried out, if possible, at hours when they are least likely to attract attention, but it is not always possible to avoid making the removal in the middle of the day.
§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEDoes the right hon. Gentleman know that these men 1789 were exposed on Leicester platform for more than a quarter of an hour? I saw them myself.
Captain CRAIGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the tender susceptibilities of these men might be met by their not becoming convicts.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think every reasonable effort should be made to avoid the transport of prisoners in public, but it is not possible always to prevent their being seen, and if society metes out punishment to them we should not be too squeamish.