§ 41. Mr. MORGAN JONESasked the Home Secretary whether he has received any report upon the trial and sentence of a number of citizens in the Taff Merthyr district of South vales at the assizes held at Cardiff; and whether, in view of the grave unrest which prevails in that neighbourhood, he will consider a review of the sentences imposed?
§ Mr. LLOYDMy right hon. Friend has seen Press reports relating to the cases in question, but he knows of no sufficient reason for advising any remission of the sentences imposed by the Court. It is open to the prisoners. or any of them, to apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal for leave to appeal against sentence if they or their advisers consider that there is good ground for doing so.
§ Mr. JONESIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these people are so very poor that they cannot even contemplate an appeal? Therefore, will he represent to his right hon. Friend the desirability of 1621 reviewing these sentences in a favourable light? May I also ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will be prepared to receive a deputation of Members of this House on this very grave and very difficult matter?
§ Mr. LLOYDI would point out that there are provisions under an Act for making an appeal of this sort without cost to the person concerned. My right hon. Friend is always ready to receive deputations from hon. Members, but I would point out that there is at present no information before the Home Secretary which would justify any interference with the sentence which the court, after hearing all the evidence, thought it right to pass.
§ Mr. JONESIf the right hon. Gentleman receives a deputation I shall be able to put before him such information as is necessary.