HC Deb 09 March 1932 vol 262 cc1799-800
65. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the sentences passed for rioting in Mardy of one month on 13 persons, three months' hard labour on eight persons, nine months' hard labour on five persons, and one of 15 months' hard labour; and if he will review these sentences with a view to an early release?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir Herbert Samuel)

I have seen reports of the cases to which the hon. Member refers. It was open to the defendants to apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal for leave to appeal against sentence, but none of them has done so, and I can find no grounds which would justify me, consistently with my public duty, in advising interference with the sentences imposed by the Court of Assize.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the fact that these persons, or at least the persons with the heaviest sentence, have no means to appeal and have been refused the benefit of the Poor Prisoners Act, will the right hon. Gentleman not again reconsider this matter with a view to seeing if the sentences could not be mitigated?

Sir H. SAMUEL

I understand that none of the defendants even asked for leave to appeal.

Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these Communist agitators are responsible for the destruction of trade and commerce?

Mr. GEORGE HALL

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the very unfair statement of the inspector of police at the conclusion of the trial, and will he call for the papers and have inquiries made as to whether or not such a statement was justified?

Sir H. SAMUEL

I must have notice of that question.

Mr. WALLHEAD

Is it a fact that one of the defendants, or more, did ask for relief under the Poor Prisoners Act and was unable to obtain it?

Sir H. SAMUEL

That is a separate point, to which my attention has not previously been drawn, but I will inquire into it.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is it not the case that the Miners' Federation of Great Britain have made direct representations to the Secretary of State?

Sir H. SAMUEL

No. So far as I am aware, it has not.

Mr. BUCHANAN

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter as soon as I can.

Mr. D. GRENFELL

Has the right hon. Gentleman not received a communication from the South Wales Miners' Federation?

Mr. SPEAKER

Notice has been given that this question is going to be raised on a Motion for the Adjournment.