§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the case of John Smith, who lost his pension for stealing the clothes in which he escaped from the Chell workhouse, whether he was informed that a memorial sent to him from the old age pension committee was submitted to Mr. Brough, the stipendiary magistrate who tried the case; that he approved of it and promised that if applied to again by the Home Secretary 1681W that he would recommend a free pardon; whether he was informed that the board of guardians unanimously passed a resolution in support of the memorial; and whether, if these facts are as stated, he will reopen the case with a view to giving Smith a free pardon?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have already answered several questions about this case. My decision not to advise the grant of a free pardon was arrived at after a careful consideration of all the facts and after communicating with the magistrate, and no new circumstances have been brought to my notice which would justify my reopening the case.