HC Deb 17 February 1938 vol 331 cc2062-3
57. Miss Wilkinson

asked the Home Secretary whether he will review the case of William Haley, aged 16, of 67, Cobden Street, Jarrow, who was sentenced to three months' hard labour for the theft of a bicycle on 30th December, with a view, on account of the boy's extreme youth, to taking him away from prison hard-labour conditions and giving him more suitable and kindly treatment?

Sir S. Hoare

I am in full sympathy with the objections to the use of imprisonment as a method of dealing with young offenders of this type, but I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that there is no action I can properly take in this case. I have no power to substitute another method of treatment for the sentence which was lawfully imposed by the court. The only course open to me would be to recommend the use of the Prerogative for the purpose of terminating the sentence of imprisonment. The result would be to give the boy the impression that his criminal conduct has been condoned, and I cannot think this course would be right in his own interest.

Miss Wilkinson

Will the right hon. Gentleman look further into this case in view of the fact that this is an excessively hard sentence on such a very young boy, the excuse for it being that there were two previous convictions, but one of them was only for stealing sweets when at school? He is a somewhat backward child. Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is fair to leave this boy in prison in circumstances which may lead to his becoming a criminal for life?

Sir S. Hoare

The hon. Lady is under some misunderstanding. I have no power to change the method of treatment and I cannot, therefore, impose a sentence of Borstal treatment in lieu of the sentence of imprisonment. I have no power.

Miss Wilkinson

In view of the circumstances, if we in the area gave a promise that the boy will be thoroughly well looked after, could not the right hon. Gentleman exercise the Prerogative and will he not look into the matter again? I know that he cannot give an answer now.

Sir S. Hoare

I will certainly look into it, but I hope that the hon. Lady will not think from that fact that I can see at present why I should change my decision.

Mr. Thorne

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to put himself into communication with the stipendiary about this case?

Sir S. Hoare

I do not think the hon. Member is in full possession of the facts. We have already been in full communication with the stipendiary magistrate in regard to this case.