HC Deb 28 June 1937 vol 325 cc1644-5
Mr. Bellenger

(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the severe sentences passed on Saturday at the Notts Assizes on the defendants tried in connection with the disturbances caused at Harworth during the recent trade dispute, and whether he will season justice with mercy by reviewing the sentences which have been imposed?

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

It is open to the defendants in question to apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal within ten days for leave to appeal against their sentences. If there are special considerations to be urged on behalf of any of the defendants, it will be my duty to consider them, but it would be premature for me to do so at this stage.

Mr. T. Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman in the meantime, particularly in view of the existing industrial peace throughout the country, make it his duty to ascertain all the information so that should representations be made at the appropriate time, he will have all the facts at his disposal?

Sir S. Hoare

Yes, Sir, I should desire to put myself in possession of the facts of the case, but I think the hon. Member will agree with me when I say that I can make no further statement until I know whether or not the persons in question are going to appeal.