§ Mr. WATTasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a notice in a paper called "Votes for Women" asking for parcels and hampers of provisions to be sent to the prisoners now in Holloway; and, if so, will he say whether it is permitted to all prisoners there to receive luxuries from their friends outside, or whether this advantage is enjoyed only by female prisoners?
§ Mr. McKENNAAll prisoners of both sexes, while on remand or awaiting trial, or treated under Rule 243a, are permitted to have food sent in for them from outside, but the prison authorities have power to regulate the extent to which this privilege shall be enjoyed, and care will be taken to prevent its being abused.
§ Mr. WATTasked the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the fact that in several instances first offenders were, in the recent trials of window breakers at Bow Street, given longer periods of imprisonment than those who had previously been convicted for a similar offence; whether it is usual to deal more leniently with first offenders; whether this is entirely in the hands of the magistrate; and whether he will take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe sentence to be passed on a convicted offender is entirely a matter for the discretion of the Court within the limits of the Statute under which the conviction takes place. I have no reason to doubt that, in the cases referred to, that discretion has been exercised properly and with due regard to all the circumstances of the individual case. It is usual for an offender on his first conviction to be treated more leniently than one who is guilty of repeated breaches of the law, but this is a rule that admits of numerous exceptions. No sufficient cause has been shown for interference on my part, but I should in ordinary course consider on its merits any representation made to me on behalf of any individual prisoner.