§ Sir EDWIN CORNWALLasked the Home Secretary of State whether he is aware of the case of Frederick Stallard, who was sentenced eighteen months ago to four years' imprisonment, having been taken into custody while playing billiards with some coiners; whether, seeing that Stallard was in regular employment, eleven years in one situation and seven years in another, he has considered the evidence upon which he was convicted; whether his conduct whilst in prison has been exemplary; and whether, in view of these circumstances, together with the 1734W fact that his son has recently died and that his wife is lying seriously ill, Stallard might be at once released?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI presume my hon. Friend refers to the case of Henry Frederick Stoddart, who was convicted at the Central Criminal Court on 9th February, 1910, of making counterfeit coin, and sentenced to four years' penal servitude. The convict applied to the Court of Criminal Appeal for leave to appeal against his conviction, but the application was refused. He was not taken into custody while playing billiards, as stated in the question. He was arrested while actually engaged in making counterfeit coin. Having regard to all the circumstances of the case, I regret that I see no sufficient reason for advising any interference with the sentence passed by the court.