§ Mr. JOHN O'CONNORasked the Lord Advocate what was the nature of the offence and the sentences, respectively, in the City of Glasgow Bank case, the Patterson Distillery case, and the White Miler case; what were the sums involved in each case; what was the nature of the offence charged in the late Comeron case; was the offence a completed one or was it only one of intent; what was the sentence therein; has he reviewed the sentence in the Cameron case; and does he propose to recommend any alteration thereof?
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLAND (Mr. Hunter)It would be a lengthy matter to state the nature of the offences and the sentences in each of the cases referred to by the hon. Member, and accordingly I am communicating them to him privately. In any case, I should find it difficult to admit any inferences drawn from a comparison of cases and sentences where circumstances are so different. The offence charged in the Cameron case was attempt to defraud, and the sentence was three years' penal servitude. The sentence has not been reviewed by the Secretary for Scotland. Any representations in regard to it will receive the usual consideration.