HC Deb 25 November 1948 vol 458 cc1397-8
35. Mr. Frederick Lee

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider modifying prison sentences passed on 12th November at Manchester upon three women found guilty of selling points coupons to a receiver, in view of the fact that in two cases the husbands were unemployed, and that all three have large families.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

I have had inquiry made into the cases to which my hon. Friend refers and I regret that I have been unable to find sufficient grounds to justify me in recommending any interference with the sentences which the court thought fit to impose.

Mr. Lee

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I am not asking him to condone such behaviour as this. Is he further aware that in Manchester there is very strong feeling that whereas a woman with nine children in the one case, and women with five children in the other cases are sent to prison for this offence, a receiver who is in a far better financial position is merely fined £25?

Mr. Ede

I am not aware of the position with regard to the receiver and, of course, I cannot criticise any sentence that has been passed. I would suggest with regard to the three cases which are the subject of the Question that my hon. Friend should see me, because the facts as set out in his Question are not quite accurate.

Mr. Quintin Hogg

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, without desiring in any way to query the propriety of a Question of this kind, did you not rule last week that Questions with regard to the Royal Prerogative in connection with the death sentence were not generally permissible, and can you give us some guidance as to why a Question which apparently deals with the same Prerogative in relation to some lesser sentence should be allowed?

Mr. Speaker

I should need notice of that Question so that I could give a considered Ruling, but these Questions are not the same.

Mr. Lee

Mr. Speaker could I ask you to take into account when considering this for yourself that I am not asking for a death sentence for the receiver or anyone else. I am suggesting that it is necessary that the people of Manchester should see that justice is done to both sides irrespective of their financial position.

Mr. Speaker

I must point out that it is not in order to reflect on the sentences which have been given by a magistrate.