§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain members of the crew of the steamship "Llandovery Castle" were recently sentenced to terms of imprisonment in London for refusal to obey orders; whether he is aware that this refusal consisted in declining to go to sea after the ship had had a 20-foot hole blown in its side, which hole was temporarily filled with cement; and whether, in these circumstances, he will take steps with a view to a remission of the sentences?
§ Sir S. HoareThe degree of culpability attaching to the conduct of these men was a matter for determination by the courts which heard the evidence, and I know of no ground for questioning the decision of the courts1606W that the circumstances warranted sentences of imprisonment. As, however, the courts which dealt with 10 of the defendants imposed sentences of six weeks, while the court which dealt with three others imposed sentences of 12 weeks, I have, with the concurrence of the justices who imposed the longer time, advised the remission of six weeks in these three cases.