§ 29. Lieut. Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether his attention has been called to the case of an 18 year old girl, Margaret Thompson Allison, of Glasgow, who was sentenced to 60 days' imprisonment at Inverness by the sheriff, recently, for setting fire to some straw at the steading of Milltown of Moyness, Auldearn; if he is aware that evidence was given proving that this girl was kept on the farm without an afternoon or Sunday off and under serious conditions of overwork; and whether he will consider this case with a view to the reduction of the sentence?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. William Adamson)The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. I have, however, made inquiry and am informed that the girl was charged on indictment with culpably and recklessly setting fire to straw, that she pled guilty, and that in consequence no evidence was led. It was stated in court that the fire caused loss of £1,000 to the tenant of the premises, in addition to the damage done to the buildings. A statement regarding the girl's alleged conditions of employment was made by her law agent and considered by the court before sentence was pronounced. On the information before me I am not satisfied that I would be justified in advising interference with the sentence. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend has any further information to give me I shall be prepared to consider it.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs my right hon. Friend aware that relatives of the girl—poor people—who travelled from Glasgow to give evidence, were not allowed to give evidence by the Sheriff; and is he further aware that the Sheriff himself admitted that the girl was working under conditions akin to slavery?
§ Mr. ADAMSONI have already told my hon. and gallant Friend that if he has further information to give than that which is available to me, I shall be prepared to consider it.