HC Deb 20 November 1969 vol 791 cc1498-9
20. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now recommend a revision in the prison sentence being served by Ethel Gee, sentenced at the same time as Lonsdale and the Krogers.

Mr. Callaghan

No, Sir.

Mr. King

I understand the right hon. Gentleman's difficulty, but was not the principal criminal in this spy trial, Lonsdale, sentenced to 25 years and released after serving one-eighth of his sentence, and thereafter the Krogers were sentenced to 20 years and released after serving less than half their sentence. Could it be equitable for this ageing typist, dominated as she was by her lover, to be almost alone in bearing the penalty for a crime which she did not instigate, and into which she was misled?

Mr. Callaghan

I note what the hon. Gentleman says. As he knows, this case has given me, personally, some concern. The hon. Gentleman also knows, because I wrote to him about it, that I did not have a favourable recommendation from the Parole Board in this case, and, therefore, I do not feel that I should act at the present time.

Mr. Rose

Is it not inevitably going to cause resentment that the ringleaders should be allowed to go free because of their powerful friends, whereas this rather pathetic woman must remain in prison? Do not we have a maxim that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done?

Mr. Callaghan

Justice was done, but the question is when, and how much, mercy should come into the application of the justice. The people who have been referred to were foreign subjects and spies. Miss Gee is a citizen of this country, and the calculation is not exactly the same. But I note what my hon. Friend has said.

Mr. Paget

Is not there a considerable difference between people like Lonsdale and the Krogers—who were loyal people serving their own country, as our own spies serve us—and those contemptible people who betray their own country for money?

Mr. Callaghan

I repeat that I believe that justice was done. But the question arises as to the stage at which those who have been sentenced can be regarded as having fulfilled the appropriate sentence that public opinion would expect—and that is a matter that I shall keep under review, and I know that the Parole Board will also do so.

Mr. King

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I beg to give notice that owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.