§ 30. Mr. WESTWOODasked the Lord Advocate if he is aware of the case which was tried in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 3rd November where two sons of miners were charged with theft of coal, found guilty, and filled 2s. each; and whether, in view of the youth of these children, he will cause the fine to be remitted?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have made inquiry, and have ascertained that no children were fined in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on the 3rd November for theft of coal. But on that date three miners (the eldest of whom was over 50 and the youngest 16) pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to a charge of theft of 2 cwt. of coal. They were each sentenced to a fine of 2s. or five days imprisonment, 14 days being allowed for payment of the fine. I see no ground to justify me in advising any interference with the sentences.
§ Mr. WESTWOODIs it not the fact that it was the parents who were charged for an act done by the children; and, further, is it not the case that, in the same court, on the same day, two young persons who had stolen stamps 1891 were admonished, while two miners' children were fined through their parents?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is an argument on the question.