HC Deb 25 March 1912 vol 36 cc40-1
Mr. WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the sentences of nine months and six months, with hard labour, passed upon Messrs. Bowman and Buck, and whether, in view of the political nature of the charge, and other circumstances, he will see that the sentence is revised at the earliest moment?

Mr. McKENNA

As it is open to the prisoners, if they are dissatisfied with the judgment, to appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeal, the appropriate procedure appears to be for them to apply for leave to appeal in the first instance.

Mr. MACPHERSON

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that in the event of these persons appealing to the Court of Criminal Appeal the Court can only consider the evidence given before the petty jury before whom the case was tried, and that the Court has no means at all of considering the charge as stated to the grand jury?

Mr. McKENNA

Assuming that to be so, after the Court of Criminal Appeal has heard the case it would then be open to them to appeal to me.

Mr. PETO

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that there is any question of political opinions in this case at all?

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Read the Recorder's charge.