HC Deb 20 March 1947 vol 435 cc563-4
5. Mr. Mulvey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the fact that Patrick McBrien, a native of County Fermanagh, has already undergone 7½ years' imprisonment in Parkhurst gaol, of a sentence of 15 years imposed on him in 1939 in connection with I.R.A. bombings in Coventry and Birmingham and, considering that this man is now 68 years of age, if he will take steps to remit the remainder of his sentence and order his release forthwith.

Mr. Ede

I have carefully considered all the circumstances of this case, but I regret that I do not feel justified in recommending any interference with the sentence which the court thought fit to impose. The case will, however, like all cases of persons sentenced to long terms of penal servitude, be subject to further review from time to time.

Mr. Mulvey

As this man was over 60 years of age at the time of his trial, and according to my information—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member must ask a question and not make a speech.

Mr. Mulvey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man was over 60 years of age at the time? As, according to my information, no definite charge was made against him, because he acted foolishly with a number of young fellows, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision in this case?

Mr. Ede

I took into consideration the fact of this man's age, and the fact that he was acting with people younger than himself when the crime was committed. I had also to bear in mind that this man had been in trouble before this offence was committed.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the fact that the offences for which this man and the others are in prison have now completely ceased, would it not be desirable to release those men?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir. I do not think it can be thought that, in this type of offence, the mere fact that we have caught all the offenders is any ground for releasing those who have been sentenced.

Mr. Mulvey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in similar cases in Eire and Northern Ireland, even in cases definitely proved, the Governments of those countries have released those prisoners? Would he take some similar action in this case?

Mr. Ede

I have these cases before me from time to time. As and when it appears that the offence has been purged, I release the prisoner. But I have not come to the conclusion that I should be justified in doing that in this case.