§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the, Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that short terms of imprisonment have been shown to have no reformative value, but, on the contrary, have generally a very deteriorating influence, especially on young offenders, he will give instructions for the immediate release of Edmund Gargate, a youth of eighteen, a first offender who has hitherto borne an excellent character, who, on 20th October, was sentenced to five months' imprisonment with hard labour?
§ Mr. SHORTTI cannot agree with the conclusions of my Noble Friend as stated in the question. I have carefully considered the case of Edmund Gargate and consulted the learned judge who tried it, and I am not able to advise any interference with the sentence.