§ 6. Mr. BATEYasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that an unemployed miner named Fred Bowman, New Brancepeth Colliery, county Durham, was last Monday sentenced by the Lanchester Magistrates to eight weeks in Durham gaol owing to being unable to pay 7s. per week towards his wife on a maintenance order; that his total income is only 18s. per week; and whether he will take steps to have this man released until he again obtains employment'
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have no power to order the release of this man, but I have inquired of the magistrates, and I find that they did not commit him without hearing both parties as to the circumstances in which he had not paid regularly, or without first giving an opportunity of paying at a reduced rate of 5s. a week.
§ Mr. BATEYHow can an unemployed workman appeal if he cannot afford the expense of going to the Appeal Court?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSHis case has been heard by the magistrates, and perhaps the hon. Member is not aware of the fact that he has been twice committed previously while he was in employment, and that at this particular time he was living with another woman.
§ Mr. BATEYThe right hon. Gentleman says that the magistrates were willing to allow the man to escape going to prison by paying five shillings a week. How can a man who is in receipt of eighteen shillings a week unemployment benefit, and has house rent to pay, pay five shillings a week?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWhen a man, whatever be his income, is living with another woman, there is some suspicion in regard to his circumstances.
§ Mr. WRIGHTA good many kings have done that in the past.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSBut they paid their wives at the same time.