HC Deb 21 April 1932 vol 264 cc1619-20
14. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked 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. SAMUEL

Merricks 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. WILLIAMS

If this person is unemployed, will he be called upon to provide any sum of money for the appeal?

Sir H. SAMUEL

I should be obliged if the hon. Gentleman will give me notice of that question.

Mr. WILLIAMS

If 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. SAMUEL

If the Poor Prisoners' Defence Act, 1930, applies, and this case comes under it, obviously he will be able to avail himself of its provisions.

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