§ 30. Mr. KILEYasked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to reconsider his decision to deport Joseph Ponorofsky, who was fined £20 for frequenting a gambling house and sentenced to one month's imprisonment for failing to notify his change of address, in view of the fact that he has been in this country since the age of three, is married to an English-born wife, and has four children, and also in view of the good character received on behalf of this man from his former employers, provided a guarantee is given of future good conduct; and, if not, what provision does he propose to make to prevent his wife and four young children from becoming a burden upon the rates of East London?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The man was recommended for deportation by the Court which was no doubt aware of all material circumstances, and after further inquiry into the man's 219 record in this country I can find no grounds for setting the recommendation aside. Unfortunately when a man renders himself liable to imprisonment or deportation it is a frequent consequence that his family are deprived of his support, but this is not a reason for refraining from administering the law.
§ Mr. KILEYIn view of the severity of these punishments for technical offences, would the Home Secretary consider the advisability of setting up a tribunal of some kind to consider these cases and advise him on what action should be taken, rather than continuing the terrible sentences now inflicted?
§ Mr. SHORTTMy hon. Friend is entirely misinformed. These were not technical offences; these were serious crimes.