§ 2.35 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it will be possible for the traitors and others convicted in the recent spy trial proceedings to secure a remission of their sentences for alleged good conduct.]
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT KILMUIR)My Lords, T think I ought to inform your Lordships that applications for leave to appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeal have been lodged by four out of the five persons to whom the noble Earl's Question might be thought to relate. It follows that their cases are sub judice and that, pending the determination of the appeals, it would not be in accordance with the practice of this House to enter into any discussion about the length of the sentences imposed on them. I can, however, state, as a general proposition, that no distinction is drawn between one class of prisoner and another in regard to the earning of remission of sentences by good conduct and industry.