§ 39. Mr. FREEMANasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent conviction of two men for stealing a twopenny loaf of bread 1367 who were given 28 and 14 days hard labour, respectively; and whether he will review the case with a view to reducing the sentence?
§ Mr. CLYNESI have made inquiry, and having regard to all the facts and circumstances of this case, and in view of the records of the two men in question, I regret I would not feel justified in advising interference with the sentences passed.
§ Mr. FREEMANCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these two persons have been punished for any previous crime of which they have been guilty, whether they have been unemployed, whether they have been in receipt of unemployment benefit, and whether they pleaded in both cases that they had been starving?