HC Deb 14 April 1930 vol 237 cc2642-3
89. Mr. CECIL WILSON

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that he does not see his way to introduce at present legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Street Offences Committee, he will, pending the abolition of the existing general and local legislation, issue such instructions as will prevent the conviction of some 4,000 women every year for alleged street offences on uncorroborated evidence?

Mr. CLYNES

No, Sir. The Committee did not recommend that corroboration should be required in every case, and I have no power to issue any instructions that would prevent Courts convicting on evidence which Courts regard as sufficient.

Mr. BROCKWAY

Can my right hon. Friend say whether a large majority of the women in prison are not women of this kind, and whether the method of sentencing them to short terms is not absolutely futile?

Mr. CLYNES

I think that is a new question, of which I should be glad to have due notice.