§ 14. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of an unemployed man named George Merricks, of Dunscroft, near Doncaster, who at the quarter sessions, Wakefield, was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment for the offence of stealing sixpennyworth of coal; and if he will review this case with a view to remission of the sentence?
§ Sir H. SAMUELMerricks has availed himself of the remedy afforded by law, and has given notice of application for leave to appeal against both conviction and sentence, and in these circumstances I cannot go into the case.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIf this person is unemployed, will he be called upon to provide any sum of money for the appeal?
§ Sir H. SAMUELI should be obliged if the hon. Gentleman will give me notice of that question.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIf the necessity arises for any sum of money to carry through the appeal, will this person receive the benefit of the Poor Prisoners' Defence Act?
§ Sir H. SAMUELIf the Poor Prisoners' Defence Act, 1930, applies, and this case comes under it, obviously he will be able to avail himself of its provisions.