24. Captain BENNasked the Secretary for Scotland whether in reference to the recent sentence on an old age pensioner in the Edinburgh Sheriff Court, his attention has been called to the fact that this woman, when making her original application for pension, accurately stated her means; that she was unaware that any supplementary statement of a change of means was necessary; that she received no warning that she was acting contrary to the law; that she is 76 years of age and whether, in these circumstances, he can remit the, fine to which she was sentenced and, in view of the provisions of the present Budget, will desist from claiming the arrears of pension alleged to be owing?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND(Sir John Gilmour)My previous decision was reached after inquiry into all the circumstances of the case. I have again considered the matter, but see no reason to depart from the decision that I would not be justified in advising any interference with the sentence. I have no jurisdiction with regard to the arrears of pension.
Captain BENNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the full circumstances of this case? This old woman, 75 years 1655 of age, is earning a few shillings cleaning offices, and he is pursuing her and has had her sentenced in a court.
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have gone very carefully into.the whole of the circumstances of the case, and, as things are, I see no cause to interfere.
Captain BENNFor the sake of reassuring public opinion, would the right hon. Gentleman make public the circumstances?
§ Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEWill the right hon. Gentleman say if this woman was allowed to plead her own case?
§ Sir J. GILMOUREvery opportunity was given for putting her case.
Captain BENNIs it not the fact that the old woman, when taken into court, heard very imperfectly what was going on? I have seen her and cross-examined her. Is it not the fact that this is a case which could be taken into sympathetic consideration?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am always ready to give the most careful consideration to any of these cases. I have twice investigated this case with all the records before me and have consulted my Law Officers on the point, and I am afraid I cannot alter my view.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWhy cannot the right hon. Gentleman give the House some specific reason why this apparent injustice was inflicted on this old woman?