§ 16. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case in which three miners from Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire, were summoned at the petty sessional court at Llanelly recently for taking coal valued at 2s. 11d.; and, as there were no previous convictions against these men, will he consider remitting the fine of £5 imposed on each man?
§ Sir S. HoareNo, Sir; but if the hon. Member thinks there are grounds for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, perhaps he will give me the names of the defendants and a statement of the considerations to which he thinks attention should be given.
§ Mr. GriffithsWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the considerable public indignation regarding this matter?
§ Sir S. HoareI cannot possibly express any opinion if I do not know the names or the circumstances.