§ 4. Sir FRANK NELSONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the sentence of a fine of £15 or, alternatively, 14 days' imprisonment passed on Joshua Townsend, of Harescombe, Gloucestershire, at the Gloucester County Petty Sessions, on 15th December last, for having failed to comply with a magistrate's order for the abatement of a nuisance, namely, the alleged overcrowding of his cottage by reason of his inability to find alternative accommodation; if he is aware that Joshua Townsend is an ex-Service man with a wife and six children, and has made all possible efforts to find accommodation suitable to the size of his family and near his work and within the scope of his wages? and will he make inquiries with a view to a mitigation of this sentence?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)My attention has been called to this case. I understand that Townsend has found and has removed to suitable premises. Further inquiry will be necessary before I can consider whether I ought to advise any remission of a penalty inflicted earlier. I may, perhaps, say that the proceedings were taken, not by the police, but by the sanitary inspector.
§ Sir F. NELSONWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for the courtesy of his reply, am I to understand that he will still make inquiries as to whether or not this sentence will be mitigated?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, that is exactly what I say in my reply. I thought I ought to let my hon. Friend know that the man has removed to suitable premises.