§ 6. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Home Secretary whether he can see his way to recommend some remission on the sentence of penal servitude for life passed on Mary O'Donoghue, 24 years of age, for the murder of her infant child, in view of the fact that the evidence showed that the mother was destitute, had had no food for two days, and was in a weak state of health at the time of the crime?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe sentence of death was commuted on the day after the prisoner was convicted. It is too early yet to consider the question of recommending further clemency.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman when he thinks it will be possible for me to raise this matter again?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIt will certainly be some weeks, possibly a month. As the hon. and gallant Member knows, a great many things have to be considered in connection with a case of this kind.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the Home Secretary consider his recent words on the damaging effect of short sentences?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not know what the right hon. and gallant Gentleman means.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODI mean the damaging effect of prison upon people who are not really criminals.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman let me know when I may raise this matter again?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSObviously, it will be some little time. When I am ready to make an announcement of my decision I will let the hon. and gallant Member know.