HC Deb 06 December 1932 vol 272 cc1418-9
26. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Bartholomew Slowey, of Shettleston, was sentenced on 19th November to 30 days' imprisonment for stealing two cwts. of coal from a refuse dump and whether, seeing that this man had been out of work for three years and had eight children, one of whom was ill with pneumonia at the time, he will reconsider this case with a view to remission of the sentence?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have made inquiry and find that Slowey pleaded guilty, the dump in question being a colliery refuse bing. Numerous complaints have been made to the police regarding thefts of coal from this bing, and this is Slowey's fifth conviction since May, 1930, for stealing coal. In the circumstances, and in view of Slowey's repeated offences, I do not feel justified in advising any interference with the sentence. I may add that Slowey was in receipt of parish relief amounting, for his household, to 35s. per week, and that his imprisonment will not deprive his family of their right to relief.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is the Secretary of State for Scotland aware that, while it is true that Slowey had 35s. a week, he had a wife and eight children, and that, as stated in the question, he had a child lying ill with pneumonia when he stole two bags of coal? May I ask the right hon. Gentleman again to consider this case, with a view to remitting the sentence and allowing the man to go to his wife and children?

Sir G. COLLINS

I may mention to the hon. Member that I took all those facts into consideration before drafting my reply this morning, and, in view of the four previous convictions, I feel that the course of justice in this case cannot be overruled by us.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is the Secretary of State for Scotland aware that the charges which have been brought previously against this man were for stealing coal to keep his children warm during this inclement weather?

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Haydn Jones.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Owing to the unsatisfactory reply, I will raise this business to-night.