§ 32. Colonel BALDWIN-WEBBasked the Home Secretary with reference to the case of Thomas Parker, who died in Winson Green Prison while serving a sentence of 14 days' imprisonment for sleeping out, if he will state what action he has taken with reference to the imposition of such a penalty; and whether he intends to circularise magistrates generally on the subject?
§ Sir J. GILMOURFor the reasons given in the Debate on Friday, I should not he justified in circularising magistrates on this subject. It is the duty of the courts to enforce the law and the latest available statistics show that in 1931, out of 1,612 persons charged with this offence, the number sent to prison was only 330. I am however proposing to have some inquiries made as to the circumstances in which it is the practice of the Police to charge persons with this offence.
§ Colonel BALDWIN-WEBBIs my right hon. Friend aware that when this man was sentenced the magistrates had no records as to his civil past?
§ Captain GOWERCan my right hon. Friend say whether the result of the inquiry which he is making will be given to the House?
§ Sir J. GILMOUROh, yes, Sir, probably in some form at a. later stage.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes not the Home Secretary realise that if everyone who slept out, especially during this weather, was pinched we should have our prisons full i
§ Mr. MORGAN JONESDid I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that he was conducting an inquiry into this particular case as well?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir.
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo.
§ Mr. JONESMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman why we may not have an inquiry into this ease which has been given so much publicity during the weekend and which reflects on the administration of the particular prison?
§ Sir J. GILMOURWe had a very full Debate on the subject on Friday, and I have nothing to, add.
§ Colonel BALDWIN-WEBBOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply given by my right hon. Friend, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise the question on the Adjournment at some convenient date.