55. Mr. F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if the man Clayton, who was sentenced to twenty-one months' imprisonment for conspiracy, is being watched by the police; when he was last released; and if it is proposed to rearrest him?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Ellis Griffith)Clayton was released on temporary discharge on 23rd June. I can give no further information with regard to a man who is now a fugitive from justice.
Mr. F. HALLWhen the man was released on 23rd June, did not the Home Office take the necessary steps to know where he was going during the time of his parole?
§ Mr. ELLIS GRIFFITHThis man is now a fugitive from justice. If it is possible to rearrest him no doubt that will be done.
Mr. F. HALLIn future in important cases like this will steps be taken in order that the persons concerned shall not leave these shores?
§ Mr. ELLIS GRIFFITHSteps are taken, but the steps are not invariably successful.
§ Mr. J. WARDWhy not let them all go if they want to?
§ 60. Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Miss Lake, who was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for conspiracy in May last, although the verdict of the jury was accompanied by a recommendation for leniency of sentence; whether he is aware that Miss Lake was a business employé, and had never made any inciting speeches or had ever been connected with any acts of militancy; that before sentence she was given no opportunity of making a statement of facts which her counsel had informed her would be better stated by herself; that since her conviction she has been for the most part in solitary confinement, without books or writing materials, and is allowed only one visit of fifteen minutes per month; and whether, in view of the circumstances of this case, he can see his way to remitting the remainder of the sentence?
§ Mr. ELLIS GRIFFITHMy right hon. Friend is well acquainted with the circumstances of the case, and recognises that, although she was undoubtedly guilty of conspiracy with the other defendants, Miss Lake's part was a comparatively subordinate one. She is enjoying the privilege of Rule 243A, and is allowed a liberal supply of books, and, for special reasons, is also allowed the use of writing materials for purposes of study. Her husband has been allowed special extensions of time for his visits. The Home Secretary would be very glad to be able to advise the remission of the remainder of her sentence, but he can only do so if she will give him an assurance that she will not for the future break the law.