HC Deb 28 July 1933 vol 280 cc2962-4
Mr. McGOVERN

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he is prepared to take whatever action may be necessary to expunge from the records of Glasgow Central Police Court the conviction registered on the boys who were charged with playing football in the streets and who were sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment.

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)

The accused referred to were convicted of conducting themselves in a disorderly manner while engaged in a game of football and committing a breach of the peace. The conviction was a proper one, and I do not propose to take any further action in the matter.

Mr. McGOVERN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to consider the following circumstances and to reconsider the position after that—that these boys were kept in the cells overnight, that they pleaded not guilty, that the magistrates proceeded immediately to take the boys to trial, that they had not agent and had no means of bringing witnesses? In view of those improper proceedings, and the disadvantages to the boys, will he consider again the whole circumstances?

Sir G. COLLINS

I considered all the matters which the hon. Member referred to before giving the decision I have announced. This is obviously not a case for advising the exercise of the prerogative of granting free pardons. A free pardon is the appropriate course where innocence has been established.

Mr. McGOVERN

In view of the fact that the boys had no opportunity of defence, and o that the trial was proceeded with without their having the opportunity to provide witnesses, would he at least further inquire into the circumstances and see whether there is any disquieting feature; and, if he is satisfied that there is some case for redress, would he then accordingly reconsider the matter?

Sir G. COLLINS

I spent a very great deal of time with my advisers on this case and dot all the information necessary, and I regret that I am quite unable to give any further decision in the matter.

Mr. McGOVERN

Might I just put this final point to the right hon Gentleman—that in future cases of this kind he will see that the authorities are advised that young boys of that description get the opportunity of having an agent and proper opportunities to defend themselves,, because six out of the seven maintain that one of the boys was coming home from his work and was not taking part in the game of football at all, but had no opportunity to prove that in Court?

Sir G. COLLINS

I feel certain that in cases of this sort, coming before the magistrates in Scotland, the magistrates themselves can judge the matter fairly in the interests of the public as well as in the interests of those who are brought before them.