41. Mr. F. HALLasked if the Home Secretary's attention has been called to the sentence of five years' penal servitude passed on Victor Raleigh, a weaver, at the Dorset Assizes, for setting fire to a hayrick near Weymouth; and if, in view of the severity of the punishment in relation to the offence, he will consider the advisability of remitting some portion of the sentence?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy attention has not been called to the case either by a petition from the prisoner or otherwise, and I would observe that the prisoner has not thought fit to exercise his right to apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal on the ground of the severity of his sentence. He has twice previously been convicted of arson, and upon the facts now before me, I 324 see no grounds for advising any exercise of the Prerogative.
§ Mr. McKENNAI must wait until the eventuality occurs.