§ Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the difference of treatment accorded to persons convicted of espionage in Germany and Great Britain; whether he is aware that the conviction of spies in Germany entails lighter treatment under less degrading conditions than conviction for the same offence in this country; and whether he will initiate legislation or take other steps to ensure similar treatment for like offences in this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERBoth in this country and in Germany the sentence passed for the offence of espionage is in the discretion of the Court, and may be varied according to the nature of the offence and the condition of the offenders. Nothing has occurred which leads me to think that any change of the law is necessary.