HC Deb 03 June 1937 vol 324 cc1156-7
23. Sir John Mellor

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the alteration of a sentence by the acting Recorder at Birmingham Quarter Sessions, on 3rd May, 1937, at the request of the prisoner, Martin Abel; and what additional cost is involved and upon what funds by the additional term of one year's penal servitude?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The additional cost is estimated to be about £30, which will fall on the Vote for Prisons.

Sir J. Mellor

Are there no steps that the Home Office can take to prevent His Majesty's prisons being made a convenience in this Gilbertian manner?

Sir S. Hoare

No, Sir I would not admit the assumption contained in "that question. I think that, if the hon. Member will allow me to explain the particular case to him, he will see that there was a reason for this rather exceptional treatment.

Sir J. Mellor

In view of the fact that the statements implied in my question were confirmed in several newspapers, is it not desirable that the right hon. Gentleman should give the full facts to the House now?