§ 4. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the imprisonment of Horace John Witt, a youth of seventeen, sentenced by the magistrates at Sturminster, Dorset, to a month's imprisonment for taking a purse with money; whether he is aware that the money was returned to the owner and that the lad pleaded guilty; and whether, in view of the previous good character of the youth and his having lost his situation, the remainder of the sentence will be remitted?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)I have made inquiry in the case but, in view of all the facts, I regret that I do not feel able to recommend the remission of this sentence.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is one of the benches of magistrates about which a difficulty has been raised that all the members represent one party in politics? [HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order."]