§ 33. Mr. CHARLES EDWARDSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has given further consideration to the sentences of several months' imprisonment passed upon a number of persons of both sexes for breaches of the peace in connection with a dispute at the Bedwas colliery, Monmouthshire; and whether, in view of the circumstances and of the general good character of the persons concerned, he will now reopen the matter with a view to securing some mitigation of the sentences?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Hacking)After a trial lasting four days at the Monmouth Assizes last month, the jury found 11 persons guilty of riot. Three of these persons received sentences of six months' imprisonment, six of four months, one of three months and one of one month. My right hon. Friend has received petitions on behalf of nine out of the 11 persons, but after full consideration of all the circumstances, he regrets that in none of the cases can he find grounds to justify him in advising interference with the sentence which the court, after hearing the evidence, deemed appropriate.
§ Mr. EDWARDSOwing to the nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment to-night or at the first opportunity that presents itself.