§ 16. Sir FRANK SANDERSONasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the case of a boy of 17 who has been sentenced to three year's penal servitude; and whether he will take steps to have the boy transferred to a Borstal institution?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSMy attention has been called to this case. The boy has a period of ten days from the date of conviction within which he may apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal for leave to appeal against his sentence. In the meantime it would not be proper for me to intervene.
§ Sir BERTRAM FALLEWill the right hon. Gentleman have inquiry made into the mental state of this lad?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSEvery possible inquiry is being made and has been made. Until I know whether he is going to exercise his right of appeal or not, it is impossible for me to say anything which might prejudice the appeal.
§ Captain PETER MACDONALDIs it not a fact that information has been conveyed to the boy concerned, that he is to be supplied with counsel and that the cost is to he borne by someone other than himself?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSFull information and the necessary forms have been sent to him, as they always are sent to prisoners in such cases, and he has now the option either of signing these forms and appealing to the Court of Criminal Appeal, or of leaving himself in my hands. I cannot say more than that at the moment.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWith the greatest respect, having regard to what I have said about the case, I hope hon. Members will not press me to make any further replies. I have the matter very fully under consideration.