HC Deb 27 July 1914 vol 65 cc916-7
33. Mr. BECK

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the sentences of two months' hard labour each, passed at Castle Hedingham Petty Sessions on Tuesday, 21st July, on Arthur Bentley and Walter Clayden; whether the assault with which these men were charged took place in the course of a scuffle between strikers and the police; and whether, in view of the fact that these men have good characters and have never previously been in trouble, he can see his way to securing their early release?

Mr. McKENNA

My attention has been called to these cases, and I am making inquiry.

Mr. BECK

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men have received an unusually severe sentence, and that there is reason to believe that that severity is due to the fact that—

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. Gentleman informed the hon. Member that inquiry is being made. If the Home Secretary had the knowledge, it would not be necessary for him to make the inquiry.