§ 59. Viscount WOLMERasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a woman named Queenie Gerald, recently convicted of keeping a brothel, was sentenced to only three months' imprisonment in the second division, whereas a sentence of six months' imprisonment in the third division was passed on Miss Agnes Lake for being concerned with the printing of the "Suffragette" newspaper and the 730 management of its advertisement columns; and whether he proposes to mitigate in any way the severity of the latter sentence?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no power to increase sentences, and I cannot discuss the question whether the sentence imposed by the Court in the first case mentioned by the Noble Lord was adequate or not. That question can have no bearing on the question whether the prerogative of mercy should be exercised in the case of Miss Lake. All I can say regarding Miss Lake is that she was convicted after full trial of conspiring to commit outrages, that she did not appeal, and that no grounds have yet been shown which would justify me in advising a reduction of her sentence.
§ Viscount WOLMERDoes the right hon. Gentleman think those two sentences represent equal justice?
§ Mr. McKENNAAs I have endeavoured to explain, I have no power to increase sentences.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMay I ask whether the prisoner Queenie Gerald is still in prison or has she been let out?
§ Mr. McKENNASo far as I know the three months have not expired yet.