§ 70. Mr. CADOGANasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that, on an average, out of every five men who are in gaol, three have been previously convicted, that out of every five women in gaol four have been previously convicted, and that out of the total prison population at least one-seventh have been convicted over 20 times, he will consider reviewing the whole question of short sentences for so-called ins-and-outs and of the method of treatment of the habitual criminal; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation dealing with this question?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir. I am not able at present to foreshadow legislation, but I have frequently condemned the useless character of the short sentence.
§ Mr. CADOGANCan the right hon. Gentleman say why he cannot introduce legislation?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIt would mean interference with the discretion of magistrates and Judges, and legislation of a very difficult character, and I have not at all made up my mind yet what is the best means of dealing with this very difficult question.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEDoes not the failure of short sentences show that the policy of members of the legal profession who objected to it at the time was founded on sound premises?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am not-acquainted with ancient history.
§ Sir HENRY CAUTLEYIs not the large percentage of more than once convicted persons in the prison population due in great measure to the extended use of the probation system, and is it not desirable that this system should be extended?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSUnder the law at present a magistrate can either put a person on probation, or, if the-case is such that the magistrate feels that a sentence is necessary, inflict such a penalty as will make the prisoner not want to go back a second time.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEThe right hon. Gentleman did not answer my question.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am afraid my hon. Friend did not hear my answer. It was that I was not acquainted with ancient history.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider doing something efficient for the men who are discharged from prison after their first sentence to enable them to establish themselves?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSA very great deal is being done by the Discharged Prisoners Aid Society and by other persons interested in prisons, and every possible effort is being made to give these men a fresh start in life.